Baltimore in the mud.
The cyclocross circus rolled into Baltimore on Friday afternoon for the third round of the USCX series, and was welcomed with some rather lovely damp mild weather. The weather was a stark contrast from last year, but it did not dampen the moods of Raylyn and Curtis, in fact it rilled them up for a weekend in the mud. Like the team results, the mud built to an exciting crescendo on the Sunday.
We started with a damp cloudy Saturday morning. This meant as the races progressed the grass gradually broke up through the day. The ground started to entertain the idea of turning to mud and covering the riders; however, this was simply a tease of what was to come. It was certainly slick out there though and with a slip of a pedal and plenty of 180 bottle neck corners to start, Raylyn found herself in the middle of the pack. From that initial slip saw an exciting come back as she picked off riders to find herself on the third step of the podium.
We then got the ‘frustrating race’, as Curtis put it.
““I took the bull by the horns and tried to force my competitors’ hands early. That effort was a risk, and it didn’t pay off that day.””
However frustrating Curtis may have found it, it was gripping to watch for the fans. He battled to another podium for the team and it felt like something was brewing for day 2.
Sunday saw the ground give up with the concept of grass and mud was firmly on the menu. Although Raylyn did not have the race she wanted fifth was still a great finish in her hunt for the USCX title remaining in 2nd place in the overall standings. Also with the hours she has put into building this team behind the scenes what followed was something she and the spectators will remember for a while.
The mens race had everything that is amazing about cyclocross. It was fast, chaotic, full of crashes and the lead changed hands after almost every lap. Out the start it almost looked like the race had got away from Curtis but as he said, he shifted to a more tactical mindset and focused on executing the plan he had set himself that morning. Putting emotion on the back burner he calmly laid his plan out each lap. As the crowds rushed to the finish line there was a nervous tension due to the excitement of potentially witnessing the first US winner in the 2022 USCX series. As Curtis came into view the cheers were loud and the beating chest of White covered in mud was a sight we won’t forget anytime soon.
““Our mechanics played a major role in the results both days in Baltimore. Even though Saturday’s C1 seemed more dry, there were several pit exchanges to perfect the equipment choice for the finale. On Sunday, our mechanics definitely got their steps in for the day. Rushing back and forth from the pits to the power washers every lap, changing tire pressure twice through the race, and shouting encouragement or observations on what my competitors are doing. Days like this are where this team shines through, and it makes digging that deep that much easier.” ”
What a race to finish on as we drive across America for the first World Cup of the season at our new home in Waterloo. See you out there!
Photos and artwork by Kenza Barton Schlee
