Metzger has made swift progress (Image credit: Sheila Moon)
Melodie Metzger isn't the first name that springs to the lips of 'Cross followers if they're asked to name prominent riders; but with plenty of ability and perspective, this PhD student from the Bay area has made quick work of coming up the ranks as the future of 'cross racing in the US. With teammate and best friend Barb Howe riding with her on and off the road, Metzger is having fun and beginning to take some strong results. Cyclingnews' Les Clarke spoke with the lovely Miss M before this weekend's USGP of Cyclocross finals.
This season has been extremely busy for Melodie Metzger - as well as racing the US Gran Prix of Cyclocross series she's been featuring in NorCal 'Cross races and performing well, challenging for wins in only her second year of racing. Riding for the Velo Bella team, Metzger's been able to beat experienced campaigners such as teammate Sarah Kerlin, with eighth place at the Rad Racing GP of Cyclocross in Tacoma, Oregon, her best result so far. She's also completing her PhD in biotechnology, and has just finished a session dissecting bits of bodies when we speak.
Metzger believes that she's just one of a number of new riders out there making a mark in US 'Cross circles, saying, "There are some new faces out there. Barb [Howe, Metzger's Velo Bella teammate] has been doing really well, and she's had the opportunity to get herself some second and third places, plus there are some girls like myself who've been getting some top ten places." Heading into this weekend's USGP of 'Cross final, does Metzger think the Lyne Bessette juggernaut can be beaten? "Oh gosh...I think in order for someone to beat Lyne Bessette, it has to be this gnarly, technical course where you have to get off your bike like 600 times; I think she's super strong, but I feel that she's not as good a technical rider. The more technical the course is, the less of a gap she has to the number two rider, whoever that may be."
