USA Cycling Cyclocross Nationals, held at  Cantigny Park in Dupage County, IL from December 7-12, 2021 gave us the opportunity to close out the American cyclocross season with cold rain, wind, mud and even ice on a course just outside of Chicago that had never been raced on before. After the cancellation of the 2020 USA Cycling Cyclocross National Championship due to the Pandemic, cyclocross racers of all ages and abilities were able to race at the National level once again. Here are our top five take-aways from our week near the Windy City!

Last weekend, US Cyclocross Nationals took place in Lakewood, Washington, and the racing did not disappoint. Fans went wild as Clara Honsinger took the Elite Women's National Championship win over 15-time champion Katie Compton. Meanwhile, 21-year-old Gage Hecht proved that he was ready to race the Elite race rather than the U23 field when he became the youngest National Champion in over a decade. 

The 2019 Pan-American Championships alternated between wildly technical, muddy sections of Little Lake Park in Midland, Ontario, with fast, flat sections that left riders physically and mentally exhausted. Maghalie Rochette (Specialized/Feedback Sports) retained her Pan-American title in the elite women's race, followed by American Clara Honsinger, who's having a breakout season. Becca Fahringer rounded out the women's podium. In the men's race, Kerry Werner took his first title jersey with the win over defending champion Curtis White. 

Results for Elite women and Men form the Trek CX World Cup

In Rochester, we saw rivalries reignited and champions rise and fall. We interviewed Stephen Hyde as he showed us his preferred method of making eggs and stroked his red mullet, and we spoke with Ellen Noble, America’s rising women’s elite star, who won her first UCI C1 race.

By Molly Hurford