Cross Cup Champs!

Photo: John M. Flora

About a week ago, we lined up for Cyclocross State Championships. The fields were deep, the course was demanding, and the season was on the line in Castle Rock on December 15. We didn't dominate. We didn't win. But we persisted, fighting through a tough day and it paid off as both the women and men won the respective team titles in the Colorado Cross Cup.

Days like this are humbling reminders of how many factors in cyclocross are beyond your control. Jess crashed twice on the first lap, partly due to traffic during a hectic start. Ken also hit the deck. By the end of the race, his right side was covered with mud—a tell-tale sign of an involuntary trip down the slip-and-slide. Spencer kept it upright but suffered through with irritated lungs and heavy legs.

States was also a great reminder of how every race counts for something. Ken and Spencer were fighting to keep their first and second placings (respectively) in the Cross Cup individual standings. A DNF was not an option. But even when points aren't on the line, or if there's no series to be contested, it's worth hanging tough, finishing the race and learning from the experience. After all, the Upslope beer tastes a lot better that way.

Happy holidays and snowy singletrack to all! We'll see you in January at National Championships, right here in Boulder.