The USA Cycling Cyclocross National Championships are taking place this week in Hartford’s Riverside Park alongside the Connecticut River.

What the heck is cyclocross?

These off-road bicycle races feature hills, mud, and other obstacles. For as much rolling as you might see, there’s also awkward tipping over, tripping, and sliding. Bitter cold does not cancel the races. Rain and snow doesn’t either.

Thursdays track conditions included hard ruts resulting from frozen mud. Crashing on that does not tickle.

Thursday also featured eight women’s events, most of which were divided by age range. Here are a few highlights:

 

60+

The 60+ event ranked winners by 60-64, 65-69, and 75-79. Julie Lockhart of Dunstable, MA placed first in the latter category. Christina Perkins (bib #18) of Annandale, NJ had the best time of all three sub-groups.

Part of the course is on the dike, so racers had to ride, push, or carry their bikes up it.

 

 

 

 

35-39

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

55-59

 

 

Kimberly Chance (above) of Dallas,Texas took the gold in Thursday’s CX Women Masters 55-59. Ruth Sherman (below) of Spencer, NY ranked 4th in the same competition.

Cyclocross events continue on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday.

The rider results are posted on the USA Cycling website.

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