Dominique Powers It was cold and snowy in Hartford, Connecticut, this weekend—and course conditions got difficult just in time for the elite races of the day. The run-ups and off-cambers became veritable slip-and-slides, providing plenty of fodder for good-natured heckling, providing fans were careful not to get wiped out by a racer who skidded through the fencing.
Clara Honsinger (EF EDUCATION – TIBCO – SVB) handily defended her National Championship title, taking her third victory in the elite women’s field this weekend in Hartford. In the men’s field, it was Curtis White (Steve Tilford Foundation Racing) who had the crowd in tears with his emotional victory—his first National title in 18 years of racing. Video player poster image winner of the cyclocross nationals womens elite race clara honsinger on december 11 2022 Amy Wolff
The women’s race had 30 starters, and Raylyn Nuss (Steve Tilford Foundation Racing) captured the holeshot, with Austin Killips (nice bikes) close behind. Honsinger’s start wasn’t as optimal, and she was sitting several spots back heading into the first run-up on the course. However, Honsinger’s slower start— something she’s spoken about needing to improve —didn’t cause her much trouble, and within minutes, she was in the lead group, trading pulls with Nuss. The two quickly formed a gap on Killips, who became enmeshed in a battle for third place with Hannah Arensman (Ignition p-b Rigd-Leitner). Nuss fell off Honsinger’s pace, and for much of the nearly 50-minute race, it was Honsinger solo on the front, riding smooth […]
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