Compton going for three

As the current US national cyclo-cross champion, Katie Compton is arguably the best American female 'cross racer on the circuit. After the final weekend of US Gran Prix of Cyclo-cross races in Seattle and Portland, Cyclingnews' Sue George caught up with Compton, who is preparing to defend her title at the upcoming championship race in Providence, Rhode Island.

Well into her second decade of racing, Katie Compton (Spike Professional Team/Primus Mootry) knows what it takes to be successful, and she's looking forward to the US national championships coming to Providence, Rhode Island, December 15-17. "My goal is to win," said Compton. "I would love to defend the jersey, but above all, I want to have a good ride, with my legs good and my bikes running great. I want to win the jersey and go to worlds." Compton will be chasing her third consecutive national title, possibly on her way to becoming one of five American women who will represent their country at the world cyclo-cross championships in Hooglede, Belgium, in January 27-28.

Gone are the days of relative anonymity on the 'cross circuit. Compton, who will turn 28 in early December, surprised almost everyone when she won her first national title in 2004. While racing for several years as the pilot of a Paralympic tandem team*, Compton chose not to race more often in events that would have given her too many UCI points and rendered her ineligible for Paralympic competitions. Eventually, the UCI rules changed, allowing Compton to become a fixture on podiums at major American 'cross races. Now she is a household name among 'cross fans.

To read the full interview click here.