ELEMENT: AIR - IN TRANSITION FROM FALL TO WINTER
Artist: Kenza Barton Schlee
Acrylic on Canvas
As fall gives way to brisker days and the clocks turn back, the team feels a thrill in the chill—a signal to pull on long-sleeve skinsuits and gear up for the start of the World Cup season. There’s a certain magic in the cold air that makes cyclocross unique, a lone cycling discipline thriving in winter’s grip.
Thunder Cross - Missoula Day 1
After wrapping up the USCX Series, the team earned a well-deserved weekend off before diving into back-to-back race weekends at Kings CX and Really Rad CX. Katie seized four 2nd-place finishes (one of them being a loss by a millimeter sprint against fierce competitor Maghalie Rochette), while Curtis delivered a powerful mix of 2nd and 3rd place finishes.
Trading the coastal views of Cape Cod for the rugged Rockies, the team set their sights on Missoula, MT, hungry to claim the Pan American Championship jersey.
Saturday’s Thunder Cross in Missoula set the stage for Sunday’s main event. As the day would fade following evening rain, Katie put up a fierce fight, testing her rivals and securing 3rd. Curtis fought a smart but tough race as well, mounting a strong comeback to finish in 3rd, with both racers fueling the fire for the championship battle ahead.
PAN AMERICAN CHAMPIONSHIPS - Missoula Day 2
Our schedules shifted, as we transitioned from the usual late afternoon race times to midday slots following the time change, giving the Elite races the spotlight they deserved and offering spectators an unforgettable experience.
During the women’s race the first few laps would shake most of the field causing separation for the front group. Katie easily slotted herself into position, as Raylyn made contact on lap 2 before her stomach would again get the best of her. Katie would continue to battle pushing the pace and making strategic moves throughout the race to keep herself in good position. Going into the final lap Katie had most of the lead, until the final last half where she would have a small mishap that would allow Isabella and Sidney to make contact again. Ultimately, losing the last bit of energy Katie needed to cross the finish line in first place. Finishing the day in an honorable 3rd place as she really left everything out there. Raylyn would finish the day in 6th place.
Curtis would also prove that his form and legs were race ready and his hunger for jersey hunting was real. In true Curtis Championship spirit, a light snowfall would begin to fall (channeling those National Champion vibes from 2022). As the race would shake out Curtis would end up battling with current National & Pan American Champion, Eric Brunner, until the final lap finishing in a very strong 2nd place. Giving everything he had for a strong chance at winning the race.
