I did this race for training. The race was the fifth in the central coast cyclocross series. I don't own a cyclocross bike, but it was still a blast!
From the gun myself and Nathan Thalhammer (Top Club), the 2016 Junior 13-14 State Champion went off the front from the wholeshot. We traded positions the remainder of the race, switching every lap or so. A cyclocross bike against a mountain bike made things different for sure!
We kept our gap on the field and kept our pace high. Going around for the last lap I was second wheel behind Nate, and when we came into the last 100 yards things got a bit comical. The finish line was about 15 feet after a set of barriers that were too close to bunnyhop. As I unclipped to run the barriers, my left foot slid out from under me and I did a mini-splits! On the other hand, being the skilled cyclocross racer he is, Nate ran through the barriers with ease. I crossed the line about a second behind Nate Thalhammer - and although I would have loved to take the win, it was still a great day out!
Photography: Jeff Vander Stucken
