Eight Titles Awarded on the Third Day of Cyclocross Nationals at Joe Creason Park
8 Titles Awarded at the 2023 USA Cycling Cyclocross National Championships
The Third Day of the Cyclocross Nationals at Joe Creason Park saw fierce competition as riders from across the nation competed for accolades. In the Collegiate Varsity Men’s race, Cole Punchard of Brevard College secured the national title with an impressive sprint to the finish straight. Punchard’s victory was hard-earned as he had to make up lost ground due to an unfortunate crash at the start. [“Results”, “1. Cole Punchard (Brevard, N.C.; Brevard College)”, “2. Jack Spranger (Sammamish, Wash.; Colorado Mesa University)”, “3. Ivan Sippy (Durango, Colo.; Colorado Mesa University)”, “4. Tom Scott (Indianapolis, Ind.; Marian University)”, “5. Lucas Stierwalt (Mainville, Ohio; Marian University)”]
In the Collegiate Club Men’s race, Dillon McNeill of the University of Nebraska-Lincoln dominated early on and maintained his lead to secure a comfortable victory. McNeill’s commanding performance resulted in a well-deserved gold medal. [“Results”, “1. Dillon McNeill (Papillion, Neb.; University of Nebraska-Lincoln)”, “2. Nick Carter (Minneapolis, Minn.; Colorado State University)”, “3. Nathan Cusack (Chevy Chase, Md.; University of Vermont)”, “4. Justin Peck (Berkley, Calif.; University of California – Berkley)”, “5. Quentin Loxtercamp (Edina, Minn.; Colorado State University)”]
The Collegiate Varsity Women’s race witnessed a compelling showdown between Katie Clouse and Lizzy Gunsalus. Clouse’s strategic efforts in the last lap secured her the national title, marking her third Collegiate Cyclocross national championship. After the race, Clouse expressed her gratitude for the support she received from Colorado Mesa University. [“Results”, “1. Katie Clouse (Park City, Utah; Colorado Mesa University)”, “2. Lizzy Gunsalus (Ashland, Mass.; Marian University)”, “3. Natalie Quinn (Durango, Colo.; Fort Lewis College)”, “4. Michaela Thompson (Durango, Colo.; Fort Lewis College)”, “5. Makena Kellerman (Escondido, Calif.; Colorado Mesa University)”]
In the Collegiate Club Women’s race, Katherine Sarkisov of the University of Maryland – College Park exhibited exceptional prowess as she surged ahead and maintained her lead throughout the race, earning the gold medal. Sarkisov’s impressive performance highlighted her dominance on the course. [“Results”, “1. Katherine Sarkisov (North Potomac, Md.; University of Maryland – College Park)”, “2. Nadine Visser (Boulder, Colo.; University of Colorado – Boulder)”, “3. Tegan Brown (Boulder, Colo.; University of Colorado – Boulder)”, “4. Allison Crow (Golden, Colo.; University of Colorado – Boulder)”, “5. Isa Naschold (Fort Collins, Colo.; Colorado State University)”]
The Master Men’s races also showcased remarkable performances. Corey Stelljes of Neff Cycle Service claimed victory in the Master Men 40-44 category, while Scott Daubert emerged victorious in the Master Men 55-59 race. Justin Morgan seized the national title in the highly competitive Master Men 50-54 category, marking a long-awaited achievement for the experienced rider. Additionally, Tom Burke triumphed in the Master Men 45-49 race after a fierce battle for the top spot. [“Results”, “1. Corey Stelljes (Madison, Wisc.; Neff Cycle Service)”, “2. Ryan Popple (Pitsburgh, Pa.; Cycle Smart)”, “3. Jordan Snyder (Beaver, Pa.; Freddie FU Cycling)”, “1. Scott Daubert (Waterloo, Wisc.; Trek Waterloo)”, “2. Chris Harre (Webster Groves, Mo.; Pastaria-Bigshark Racing)”, “3. Jim Cochran (Iowa City, Iowa; Rule #5 / Nick’s Cycling & Fitness)”, “1. Justin Morgan (Park City, Utah; Fieldriders/Squid)”, “2. Carlos Casali (Golden, Colo.; Monster Racing Team)”, “3. David Hildebrand (Ellington, Conn.; Competitive Edge Racing)”, “1. Tom Burke (Middleville, Mich.; Athletic Mentors)”, “2. Eneas Freyre (Redding, Conn.; TTEndurance)”, “3. Felipe Cantero Gutierrez (Arvada, Colo.; AES)”]
The excitement continues on Friday with the Masters Women 35+, Men’s and Women’s Singlespeed, Collegiate Team Relay, and Non-Champ Mixed Relay. Cyclists and fans alike eagerly anticipate the thrilling races yet to come. [Photo By: Tory Hernandez]
