U.S. National Cyclo-Cross Championships

Well Saturday morning was a beautiful day with race temps around 40+ and the sun was out. Great conditions with wet splattery mud and fast carpet like grass on the brewery side of the course.
Phil and I really tried to relax in the morning to mellow out for our race. We were excited and nervous. We lined up in the 70's (ninth row) out of 195 racers! Wow! The gun went off and we headed down the start stretch just trying to stay out of trouble. Once we hit the dirt, Phil and I started to work up taking outside lines and taking chances. Within the first 1/2 lap, we had already passed around 30 other guys and were in the low 40's. Things were looking good. We crossed the road to the grass/brewery section and I went to pass another rider on the inside, and I rolled my rear tubular tire off of my rim. Phil, continued on as I stopped and shouldered my bike and ran another 50 meters to the run up. Up the stairs I went and at the top, stopped to remount my tire. I hope it would hold til I got to the pits, since I still had 1/2 a lap to go. Riding cautiously, it did, and Dave, Dom, and Kevin were there for a quick and smooth bike exchange. I tried to get back on it, but I could not generate any power. I was riding technically excellent and was having fun doing it, but for some reason, I could get anything from my legs. I had felt great and rested all week, and now this. What do you do? Phil maintained his position, and I began to fade back losing the positions that I had gained in the opening of the race. I eventually finished in 70th. I was very dissapointed with my result, but at the same time, I had fun on the amazing course and the crowds were amazing and huge. It was still a blast and overall a very successfull season.
After all, I did also receive an upgrade to "Category 1" for cyclo-cross from USA cycling based off this years results. All in all, a successfull season. I'm already looking forward to next year.
We had a blast in Bend at what was probably the best hosted/ran National Championships ever. One of the funnest times racing we have ever had. You will have to hear it from Kristi on how her Pro race went on Sunday, but I can tell you it went great, and she got a solid 17th after passing around 20 other riders in the first lap. What a great ride!
Thank you everyone for your support and help this season. We still have one left in January as the season is coming to a close. What a year!