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Skyhawks cycling takes 2nd at Collegiate Cyclocross National Championship
Fort Lewis College cyclocross riders came up with a worthy second place finish at the USA Cycling Collegiate Cyclocross National Championships over the weekend in some of the muddiest conditions the team has ever raced in. Fourteen riders were in Louisville, Kentucky, to represent FLC in the championships, all finishing in the top 25 of their fields.
Women's Varsity
4th - Sophie Russenberger
8th - Ellen Campbell
9th - Katja Freeburn
12th - Kelsay Lundberg
18th - Tristen Musselman
22nd - Anna Schehrer
Men's Varsity
4th - Henry Nadell
6th - Jon Anderson
7th - Harrison Buckley
12th - Nash Dory
13th - Keiran Eagen
14th - Thomas Gauthier
17th - Kobi Gyetvan
18th - James Hilyer
The team omnium competition for the national title was decided on Saturday in the team relay race. Anderson, Freeburn, Nadell, and Russenberger pulled together four laps in the mud, shouldering their bikes to run sections of the course when they couldn't ride. The relay team finished second, and point totals from all three races put FLC in second overall.
In addition to the collegiate competition, races for national titles in other competitive fields, including pro and age categories, were ongoing. The Skyhawks raced again on Sunday in the U23 championships and put up even more impressive individual results in the larger fields. Top finishes came from Russenberger who took bronze in the women's race and Nadell who came in seventh in the men's. Coach Chad Cheeney said the course suited the team, with longer climbs and technical off-camber sections, and that the muddy conditions were actually perfect.
"This is what cyclocross dreams are made off. Epic mud, challenging sections around each bend, and passionate fans encompassing the course. Our team all had their strongest performances of their young careers and this Nationals event has them hungry for next year in Washington State," he says. "Big thanks to USA Cycling for producing an amazing and challenging event for all ages and abilities."
Congrats, Skyhawks!
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