Nationals Wrap

It's been kind of a blur since leaving KC Sunday afternoon. The drive was very windy and cold Sunday, but much better Monday. We made it home OK, but it was LONG. I've been swamped at work since my return and I just want to get caught up on sleep.

I have a ton of pictures, but I'm not up to posting any today. Maybe later. Here's some random thoughts about Nationals now that it's in the past.

• I saw my first true fight during a cross race. During the first lap of the Elite race, a bunch of guys went down in a tight corner and got all tangled. Meyerson and Baker came up from the ground swinging. One good punch was landed. I also heard two guys went after Page's mechanic in the pits at the end of the race. Punches were landed there as well.
• I've never seen the temperature drop faster in my life. In about 10 minutes, it went from 60 to 30. An hour later, it was in the low 20's. By the end of the Elite race, it was VERY cold. The big drop happened during the College Women's race. Most of the riders had no arm or knee warmers on. Many had no gloves. Lots of very cold girls.
• Speaking of cold, we stopped in North Platte Nebraska Sunday night. When we got up Monday morning, it was -13 with a wind chill of -32. Not sure why anyone would live on the Great Plains.
• Trebon is ridiculously fast when it's not muddy. He crushed the field. Not sure what Page was thinking. He waited way too long to make a move. Just like last year, Page looked like he was carrying the weight of the world.
• Katie Compton just destroyed the women's field on a course that didn't really suit her. She, Gould and Loyld were about a half lap a head of 4th. All three were impressive on the downhill and clearly faster than the others.
• Bart and Sam battled to the finish. While Trebon finished up his interview, Bart was attacking Sam into the final corner. Good to see them fight to the finish when they were not having great days.
• Ali was rocking it again before he rolled a tire and broke his bar. He nursed it back to the pit, but lost a ton of time. The man knows how to peak for big races. He was on pace for another top 15 finish.
• Mitchell recovered from Friday's off day and finished 4th in the College race.

All in all, a good trip and a memorable time. Sounds like Nationals will be in Oregon next year. Should like a better drive. Rico's retired from driving, but I think we'll try to be the team Utah transport again. Having a compound was worth all the effort.

Now, it's off the bike for awhile. I'm looking forward to skiing, snowshoeing, hiking and avoiding the indoor trainer for at least a few weeks.