AP's End of Season Report

Well, the last few races of the 'cross season could have gone better but, they were a lot of fun and I had good time. I did my first 'Cross Nationals and donned the SRAM Team Kit for the first time. I was no match for the heavy, frozen mud and felt as though as it was me versus the course. Special thanks to Richard Breininger and Rosanna Lloyd who kept me rolling for two of the hardest laps I've ever done. I wasn't satisfied with my 56th place finish but certainly satisfied with being able to get out and race.

Cyclocross Nationals

Cincinnati Kings CX was two weekends later. My race went off early and the course was covered with snow and ice. I didn't have time to pre-ride the course so, after a great start, I found myself on the ground in a few of the faster, slicker turns. I fought back and ended up finishing 5th in the CAT III race.

Cincy Kings CX, Photo: Kent Baumgardt

Masters Worlds was another eye opener and learning experience. Like NATS, I wasn't prepared for the heavy mud, as I just don't have much experience training or racing in those conditions. I struggled in the tractor pull that was the heat race and barely made the cut for the final. I lined up 68th for the Masters 35-39 final. There were crashes everywhere at the start. I dodged a few only to fall victim to another, bending my front rotor and twisting my bars. I limped it back to the pit where Chris Zigmont had a my "B" bike at the ready. I ended up finishing 57th. While certainly not satisfied with the result, I was thrilled to get out there and lucky to have the opportunity.

Thanks again for the support. I can't wait to get back out there and apply some of what I've learned this season!

All the best,
AP