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Canadian National Cyclocross Championships, Nanaimo, BC

November 11 , 2006

The rain started just before the start of the Elite Women's race -- great, classic, 'cross weather! The Women's field was 20 strong, and a strong field it was, with defending National Champion Lyne Bessette (QC, Cyclocrossworld.com), two-time National Champion Wendy Simms (BC, Velo Bella-Kona), pro roadies Tara Ross (ON, Cheerwine) and Amanda Shaw (ON, Biovail), three-time Canada Cup MTB Series Winner Mical Dyck (AB, Team Alberta), Giant BC Cup Cyclocross Series Winner Kelly Jones (BC, Sugoi) and ME! So, considering the high level of competition, my 11th place finish is not bad at all.


Trish leads a chase group up the muddy run-up, followed by Leah, Christy, Me (red) and is that Jaymie in behind? Photo courtesy of Rob Jones, Canadian Cyclist.

Category: Women Elite
Started: 20
Ranked: 19
Result: 11
1. Lyne Bessette (QC, Cyclocrossworld.com)
2. Wendy Simms (BC, Velo Bella-Kona)
3. Mical Dyck (AB, Team Alberta)
11. Sandra Walter (BC, X.O-Felt) 

I was really shooting for top 10 (which I only missed by 13 seconds!), but I'm pleased with my race. On the last lap of four, I passed three women! If it had been just a little longer, I may even have caught 10th and 9th place (both within 15 seconds of me and I was gaining). Of course you can't play the "would have, should have game," but it was quite motivating to see how I was riding strongly and in the thick of things. The course was fun and technical, and included a tricky BMX track section, lots of mud, roots, steep run ups and a set of barriers inside an equestrian barn. I had a good time at my first ever Cyclocross Nationals and my Felt F1X got a lot of admiring glances.