NCCX State Championships – Merry Crossmas
The winner of Race #10 of the NC CX series is crowned the State Champion. SmartStop Mock Orange Bikes p/b Ridley took home both pro titles with Travis Livermon and Emily Shields winning the men’s and women’s pro races.
A world class cyclo-cross course was built for the State Championship in Winston Salem’s Washington Park by the crew at Mock Orange Bikes. Course features included a somewhat makeable run-up, a steep downward-bound wooden ramp, off camber turns, chicanes and hurdles. The tough course was perfect practice for riders heading to the National Championships in Madison in January.
The race had all of the cowbells, dogs, boots, media and beer (for charity!) appropriate for the winner-take-all State Championship titles. This is the most important race of the series. According to everyone’s favorite race official, Judy Rhyne, “It’s a matter of pride to be the State Champion!”Travis Livermon ( SmartStop Mock Orange Bikes p/b Ridley) won the NC CX men’s pro State Championship title and captured his fifth win in the NC series. Livermon made the early selection with teammate Adam Myerson (SmartStop Mock Orange Bikes p/b Ridley), series leader Robert Marion (American Classic/Blue) and Scott Frederick (Inland Construction). When Livermon pitted with a flat, Myerson took control at the front and seemed to slow down the pace, making it easier for Livermon to reattach. “I just tried to keep Travis from doing any work. I was comfortable being in front. I liked the lines I was taking.” Said Myerson. Shortly after the reformation, Myerson attacked, “I figured, it’s the North Carolina State Championships and I’m not a state resident, I thought they’d let me go. “
Marion chased down Myerson with Livermon and Frederick in tow and the group briefly rode together. Myerson attacked again but this time with Livermon. The duo raced together until the final lap and a half. With the one-two victory secure, Livermon soloed to the finish demonstrating his abilities.
After missing some races in the NC and likely being out of contention for the overall series, the State Championship was an ideal series race win for Livermon. Commenting on the significance of the NC title, Livermon said, “North Carolina gets more competitive every year. It doesn’t get recognized as much because people don’t come south as much as we go north to race cross. But when the guys do come south to race, they realize that it’s hard here.”
Series leader, Emily Shields ( SmartStop Mock Orange Bikes p/b Ridley) won the race for the Women’s State Championship title. Megan Korol (Bob’s Red Mill) who started from back, sans call-up, stayed patient and battled her way into the lead, but couldn’t keep ahead of Shields. With a ten second advantage, Shields was conservatively riding the technical sections. She was unclipping from her pedal through the off camber turn, but then aggressively racing the straight-aways. In the end, it was a decisive victory for the series leader. “I got second in both [the series and the State Championship race] last year, so this year I wanted to win them both!” Said Shields.
Seehttp://weldon.smugmug.com/Racing/11-12-NCCX-10-Winstonforfull photo galleries.
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