Courtney solos to Under 23 women's cross country win at US Nationals

Kate Courtney (Specialized) raced to a decisive win in the under 23 women's cross country race, which opened up the day's action at the US Cross Country Mountain Bike National Championships at Bear Creek Resort in Macungie, Pennsylvania. Courtney finished ahead of Shayna Powless and Kaylee Blevins (Bear Development Team).

“There was a little bit of rain earlier in the week, so I think made it a little more fun and difficult for everyone,” Courtney said. “It was definitely a challenging course and worthy (to be) the National Championships course.

Amongst the U23 action that highlighted the early hours of the day's racing was a compelling series of juniors races, beginning with the category 1 women’s 17-18 contest. Ksenia Lepikhina just edged silver medalist Cassie Ross (Kryki Sports) in 1:17:22, besting Ross’ 1:17:25 effort by three seconds. Shea Chavez took bronze in 1:19:21.

The category 1 women’s 15-16 field was decided by Haley Batten’s (/Whole Athlete-Specialized) 1:10:08 clip, which was contested by teammate Kelsey Urban (Whole Athlete-Specialized), who finished in 1:11:11. Sienna Leger Redel (Summit Utah Devo) wrapped up third in 1:16:42.

Results

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U23 women
#Rider Name (Country) TeamResult
1Kate Courtney (Specialized)1:31:13
2Shayna Powless0:00:59
3Kaylee Blevins (Bear Development Team)0:03:07
4Ellen Noble (Bear Development Team)0:05:41
5Emily Shields0:06:09
6Lauren Catlin (Bear Development Team)0:10:29
7Hannah Finchamp (Team LUNA Chix)0:11:10
8Elizabeth White (University of Vermont)0:12:20
9Emily Schaldach0:18:34
-1lapGinny Jeppi (C3-Twenty20cycling.com)Row 9 - Cell 2
-1lapNathalie KrantzRow 10 - Cell 2
-2lapsMichelle KhareRow 11 - Cell 2
-2lapsCaroline WoodsRow 12 - Cell 2
DNFElizabeth LurzRow 13 - Cell 2
DNFBriana Heintzelman (South Mountain Cycle & Cafe)Row 14 - Cell 2
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Junior 17-18 women
#Rider Name (Country) TeamResult
1Ksenia Lepikhina1:17:22
2Cassie Ross (Kryki Sports)0:00:03
3Shea Chavez0:01:59
4Melissa Seib (Bikeman.com)0:04:31
5Jessica Kruse (Team Bulldog)0:06:53
6Angelina Palermo (Top Gear Racing)0:11:43
7Rachael Jensen (RACC pb GG)0:15:53
DNFNadina Junuzovic (787 Racing)Row 7 - Cell 2
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Junior 15-16 women
#Rider Name (Country) TeamResult
1Haley Batten (Whole Athlete / Specialized)1:10:08
2Kelsey Urban (Whole Athlete / Specialized)0:01:03
3Sienna Leger Redel (Summit Utah Devo)0:06:34
4Veda Gerasimek (Whole Athlete / Specialized)0:07:55
5Kyra Jackson0:15:40
6Jessie Linder (Get Out! New Mexico)0:17:54
7Mason Hopkins (Tradewinds Racing)0:26:56
-1lapEmma Drummond (Hammer Nutrition)Row 7 - Cell 2

 

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