Hardcore Goes to Nationals

On November 5th, the National Cyclocross race was held in Toronto and Hardcore had three people there to represent the Green and Yellow. In Master 30-39, John Clark did us all proud getting 3rd and a well-deserved podium. At the race the following day (National's Revenge) John did two better ending up on the top step. 

In Master 40-49, Andre Sutton and Mark Rumsey contested what turned out to be the biggest category with 60 racers. With a group that huge, if you don't get a good start position you are pretty much doomed to a poor placing, especially on a course as technical as this one was. Mark ended up with a decent 12th place start position but Andre got hosed bad back in 43rd. Andre fought his way up to 6th by the end of the race but who knows what would have happened if he had had a better start position? Mark ended up a respectable 10th.

Overall there were 6 Albertans on the various podiums at Nationals which speaks volumes of the quality of the cyclocross scene here. In Elite Women Pepper Harlton was 2nd, in Elite Men Aaron Schooler was 3rd by just one second. In U19 Tommy Beaulieu was 2nd and at the other end of the age range, Peter Lawrence was 1st in Master 50+. The same category where John Clark was 3rd, Master 30-39, Chris McNeil was 2nd.

Stayed tuned for World's! Yes, the Master's World are in Louisville Kentucky in the middle of January. Barring disaster, we'll be there.John on the Podium

Mark at 2011 Cross Nationals