Elite Women’s CX National Title race 2013

Photo Gallery: 2013 U.S. National Cyclocross Championships

Author:
PavedStaff
Jan 15, 2013

USA Cycling's 2013 U.S. National Cyclocross Championships may be done and dusted, but they won't soon be forgotten by the droves of fans who came out to Badger Prairie State Park in Verona, Wisconsin—and they certainly won't slip from the minds of the competitors who braved the mud, ruts and cold weather.

Photos and captions by Colin Meagher

In the days leading up to the Elite events, and during the races themselves, pressure washers saw more than their fair share of use.

Elite men's runner-up Zach McDonald had some custom-made ice studs for race day.

Track conditions immediately before the start of the women's elite race.

Pit crew: Luna Team support crew walking to the start line for the Women's Elite Race.

Getting the holeshot: Nicole Duke, surprisingly enough, got the hole shot—usually Katie Compton's forté. Compton opted to stay simply near the front until the second straightaway.

Untouchable: Katie Compton

The race for second place—all of a half lap into the Elite Women's event.

The run-up on the back side of the track was steep, and the steps were staggered irregularly, making it difficult for racers to find a rhythm.

Compton was simply on another level at this race and put her stamp on another U.S. national title.

Elite Women's Podium. From left to right: Georgia Gould, Jade Wilcoxson, Katie Compton, Nicole Duke, and Crystal Anthony.

Ryan Trebon, grabbing the holeshot on the long opening straight.

Jonathon Page took the lead on lap number two, chased by Ryan Trebon and Zach McDonald.

Tim Johnson grabbing a fresh ride. The clinging mud that made the women's race a living hell began to firm up, making the men's race that much faster. During that brutal women's event, riders were pitting as often as possible, but with the firmer track, the men were pitting only once every lap-and-a-half or so.