The 2024 USA Cyclocross Nationals were held in Louisville, Kentucky again like 2023.
The highlight and ending of the CX season in the US is always the Nationals. The biggest goal for most riders, especially the 15- 16 riders, but also for our 17-18 since their season still continues in Europe and if you win you are able to show off the stars and strips in the races across the pond.
The 17-18 race is on Saturday and the 15-16’s are on Sunday. A slightly different format and quite the travel distance for most, the US is a big Country.
I arrive on Wednesday to set up our team tent village and the riders arrive on Thursday to start pre riding and familiarize themselves with the course and venue. Due to weather and the amount of races and traffic on the course the conditions always change daily at these events.
Aidan and Jack race on Saturday in the 17-18 category, a large field and stacked top 10, you cannot have anything go wrong to be able to win or podium for sure. Aidan crashes on the barriers on the first lap and that is a huge set back to come back from, only manages to 7th, disappointing with legs that could probably have won the race. Jack had a great start and very steady race with no real issues finishing 10th.
The junior girls had a similar competitive field with a few real heavy hitters. Alyssa decided to sit this one out due to illness and save her matches for the World Cups. Sophie Cosper had solid race as a first year and she was in a big group the entire race, ended up 16th on the day. A very honest and good course to end the US CX Season.
On Sunday it was the 15-16 boys and girls turn to battle. FinKraft of course have some of the favorites in these categories.
Matthew Crabbe and Noah Scholnick were definitely the two to beat and they are off the front right away. “Mathieu” rides a smart, strong, and clean race. Solos to a convincing win 2nd year in a row at the same venue. No doubt Noah would have made it a 1-2 unless he had not suffered a mechanical and had to run to the pit “material post.” Still a 4th place on the podium, picking off riders all the way to the line.
Ava White raced the 13-14 girls earlier and had a great muddy experience getting ready to join the 15-16 next year, finishing in 11th place.
Lilli ODonnell was also the favorite to win the 15-16 girls. Still a first year, but now with a lot of experience from her racing in the European race block with ECA.
Lilli took the bull by the horns right from the start and it was a duel with Delaney Meegan from Avout Racing going back and forth in the lead. 2nd after an incredible battle.
Super proud of everyone giving their all and raising to the occasion.
Thanks to our mechanic Peter Childs and all the parents supporting all our athletes this week in Louisville and every race weekend this season!
Photo credit: Beyond Horizon Media