CX Nationals in Bend, Oregon

I am writing this on behalf of Cinthia (red hat) because I know she will never be able to share her experience with you due to pure physical exhaustion. For those who didn't know, she traveled this past weekend to Bend, Or. with her college for Cyclocross Nationals. It probably was Cinthia's 60th and final cycling race of 2010.

The stress began flying out from Charlotte through San Francisco. They landed in Bend and no luggage and none of the bikes had arrived. 24 hours later with various small airplanes there bikes and bags would arrive. If they would have flown one day later they probably wouldn't have been able to pre ride the course. Most of the bags were soak-en wet and she told me that everybody had to throw their cloths in the dryer.

Finally race day (Sunday) arrived and the division 1 women had the first race at 8:00 am. From each team the top 3 count for scoring in collegiate racing. Cinthia was very proud to have Carla Swart (will represent South Africa at the next Olympics) and Erika Zaveta (reining collegiate mountain bike champion) on her team. The big question was who would finish 3rd from the team. This was only Cinthia's second year at cyclocross. The race started with a massive pile up. Carla and Erika got away, but Cinthia was caught in the middle of the bike pile. After 1 lap Carla and Erika are in 3rd and 4th, which is also where they would finally place, but Cinthia is 20th. Cinthia starts passing people left and right moves up further and further. The race ends after 4 laps and the officials have problems identifying the women placing 5th and beyond because of all the mud. Cinthia would eventually call me and tell me they had lost again to Fort Lewis. Last year 2nd in CX, in the road omnium 2nd, and in mountain biking 3rd. I asked where did you finish and she didn't know. The results took for ever and finally they were posted and Cinthia got 10th! For the first time they had beaten Fort Lewis and Cinthia cried! One place one point made the difference. Another example to never give up and give everything for your team.

Getting back was even worse nightmare. The got up at 3:00 am., eventually getting into Charlotte at 7:00 pm. Again no luggage. The luggage came with the next flight from SF. 10:00 pm the final stretch of a very long trip back to Banner Elk, NC. A blizzard was waiting for them at home. 60 mph winds. At the base of the mountain they had to ditch the trailer with all the bikes and their luggage. Finally arriving after midnight, the wind was so fierce the girls had to hold on to one another walking back to their house. Still motivated after all they were national champions!