After a period of disappointment, a chance to put the trains back on the tracks approached. The depth of the 17-18 category in Colorado is deep, and nearly everyone was going to Europe with EuroCrossCamp or Clif Bar. So I had one last time to not only prove to myself that I have what it takes, but prove it to others too.
State Championships for 'cross have always been a toss-up for me. My first year doing it I finished mid-pack, and then the next year I had appendicitis. So I've never been particular strong at this point in the season. My approach to the race was mixed, on one hand I was unconfident, and on the other hand, I wanted this win badly. I decided to put no pressure on myself, and approaching the weekend as just another race.
We drove down to Castle Rock early Saturday morning with my Dad and Zack. First City Cycling Team was there to support us, and all the Fort Collins cyclists, and the team, warmth and embro was very appreciated! Thank you very much Jay! I raced 17-18 at high noon on Saturday and the course was awesome. The ground was drying out and the snow was melting, and was going to create the second mud race I had done all season. The course had some good elevation gain, and took skills, and being smooth to keep the bike upright. I threw on the Challenge Fangos and put 'em at 20 psi.We went to line up, and sitting next to me was Garrett, Liam, Cormac, Grant, and Chris. I knew it would be a fast race when the gun went off and the uphill sprint was elbows out. Down the first descent it proved to be decisive, and the front group formed almost instantly. All the big names were there, and battling for position in the mud. The group slowly widdled down with Chris pushing the pace, and with 3 to go, there were 5 of us. I was the only rider in the group without a team mate, and decided to just sit back and watch how the race would unfold.
Coming into 2 to go, Grant had a mechanical and would be left behind, and Kurtis would be dropped. Soon the 3 man showdown was on display. Garrett and Chris were trading blows, even getting aggressive around corners, and as they battled each other, I gave the appearance I was in trouble, just dangling off the back. The final uphill came, and I decided it was time to go. I sprinted past Garrett, with no reaction from him, then past Chris. I had a 5 second gap nearly instantly, and riding smooth kept me out of trouble. I crossed the line 3 seconds ahead of Garrett, and had time to celebrate.
I have added another State Championship Title along with my USAC MTB State Champion, and NICA State Champion. The feeling of the win made me ecstatic and even though it didn't count towards much, it made me feel like I can without a doubt compete at the top. There is very little time until Nationals now, and with all my competitors over in Europe, I have training time, and am able to sleep in my own bed.The support I've had this season is impeccable, and everyone involved is so appreciated. Thank you to Jay Zorn for his support over the weekend, Nick Frey for his continued support and encouragement, Andy Clark for keeping my head in check, my Dad for always being there, and my family for being my support. I couldn't do it without these people and my sponsors. Thank you so much to Boo Bicycles, TrainingPeaks, Braaap Nutrition, and Challenge Tires. Nationals is coming up and I want to bring my A-game and represent well. Thank you to everyone who has supported me this season! I'm looking forward to Nationals.
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