Natural Grocers Cycling Team presented by XP Companies was once again well represented at the state championship. The 2010 Colorado State Cyclocross Championships were held over two days at Monarch High School in Louisville, Colorado. The flat, grassy course was raced in dry conditions, which made for a fast, exciting, and tactical race. In the Open Men, Natural Grocers placed three riders in the top 15, more than any other team. Christian McCarthy and Russell Harding worked together in the second chase group, while Jon Tarkington rode in the next group of chasers. Strength in numbers and smart racing ensured a Natural Grocers rider would cross the line first from the second chase group, with Christian finishing in 6th place. Russell Came in 8th, and Jon in 12th. With most of the Colorado Cross Cup races now completed, the team is sitting comfortably in third place in the Men's Open team standings, behind two cyclocross only teams.
Three other events saw Natural Grocers racers on the podium, with strong rides by Beth Fisk (2nd, Women's 35+), Rod Yoder (3rd, Men 45+), and Bill Kellagher (2nd, Men 55+). In the Men's 35+ Cat 4 division, Samer and Joe were riding together halfway through the first lap, and continued on to finish together in 30th and 31st, respectively.
But don't worry, we're not done yet. The 2010/11 season is longer than year's past, with three races remaining until the finale on January 22nd. See you there!