Dave Eckel making his way over the barriers.
With unseasonably warm temperature, the 2012 edition of the USA Cycling Cyclocross National Championship in Madison, WI was one for the ages. The crowds were out in force and cheering like a pack of wild monkeys. The course was dynamic with early morning races featuring frozen mud and dangerous ruts and later races being complete mud fests.
Tom Winkel tackles the 21 step blistering stair climb.
There was a Non-Championship race held at the course on Wednesday. Tom Winkle and Eric Brandt both raced; in the 40+ and 35-39 races respectively. After massive amounts of calcium chloride were used to melt the ice which had formed, the course was pretty muddy. Tom placed 21st in his race while Eric managed a 12th place, both excellent results.
Saturday brought a slight drop in temperatures from Friday and with it the mud was harder and took longer to thaw. Dave Eckel was first to race at 9am with probably one of the most dangerous races all weekend.
In a race where keeping it upright was nearly impossible, Dave survived a few early mistakes, but eventually went down hard over the bars. He had to see the medical tent with a possible concussion, but was lucky to be unhurt.
Next up was Eric back for more after riding in completely different conditions on Wednesday. In a highly contested men’s 35-39 championship race, Eric placed 54th. While he was a little disappointed, it will only fuel him to train harder. With the afternoon sun, came the mud and Joe Maloney was able to capitalize on a good start to place 13th in the U23 Elite race.
This officially ends the CX season for the KS Energy Services/Team Wisconsin boys. It has been a successful season with its ups and downs. We look forward to seeing everyone this coming spring.
Joe Maloney rounds the turn into the technical section of the course.