World Cup Iowa City
“Saturday was fast and furious. Yet again bone dry which until this year was a first for me at Jingle Cross. I must say I very much enjoyed riding up Mt. Krumpet instead of slogging up it in the deep mud.”
After a wet and muddy Fayetteville World Cup, the team drove up to Iowa City for the third and final World Cup of this frantic week. Joe Schmalz rejoined the team to take on Jingle Cross and it was certainly a lift to have the band back together after a long haul. The weather was crisp and sunny in Iowa, the antithesis of Fayetteville. Raylyn and Joe took on the unique night race on Friday. After a crash and getting her bike interlocked with another it was a sign to rest up for Sunday, Raylyn rode back to the tent early. Joe, however, had a great return to the team having a strong race on a rapid short course.
Saturday was all about Joe, and he didn’t disappoint having another strong ride building on Friday nights form. Joe rode home with his seasons best 13th place. Still having to start deep in the pack Joe used his experience to navigate his way through the field. Joe suited the dry fast conditions and it was great to see him back competing in a cyclocross race.
After a great result from Joe and an evening talking to the local junior cyclocross community the team was lifted and ready for Sunday’s World Cup. Stephen Hyde rested the weekends races to save himself for the World Cup. After a strong opening lap and an exciting start it looked like Stephen was back at the sharp end of a Sunday. Unfortunately it was not the finish Hyde was looking for. All athletes have bad weeks, you always hope they are during a training block but an off week for Hyde unfortunately hit him during a World Cup block. Stephen will be back fighting for those top steps as the US season looks to now build up to Pan Ams and Nationals, however an experienced campaigner like Hyde knows these weeks happen and the true teammate that he is, he quickly regrouped, grabbed his camera and ran out to cheer on Raylyn for her race.
Raylyn finished the week off on a massive high for the team and, for herself, bringing home 21st place and the second US rider in the World Cup. Raylyn has some punchy but realistic goals for her performance, so this week was not exactly what she wanted from the World Cup block but it yet again showed she can mix it with the worlds best and has continued to improve year on year. It is certainly exciting to think about a potential battle with Nuss and Hosinger when the nationals roll around in December!
World Cup Gallery
Words and Images by Kenza Barton Schlee
