Clouse wins U23 women's title at US cyclo-cross championships

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Katie Clouse (Cannondale-Cyclocrossworld), after taking the Collegiate title earlier in the week, added to her victory tally in the U23 Women's race at the USA Cycling Cyclo-cross National Championships in Wheaton, Illinois.

Clouse passed early attacker Lauren Zoerner (Alpha Bicycle Co) on the first lap and never looked back, opening up more time every lap to take her third straight national title in cyclo-cross.

The 2019 U23 champion and 2018 junior champion topped Maddie Munro (Trek Factory Racing) and teammate Lizzy Gunsalas, with Zoerner battling to fourth.

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It was Clouse's 34th national title across three different disciplines, from 'cross, road and mountain bike.

"I think today was pretty special because I know how strong Maddie is," Clouse said. "She's so strong, so I knew it was going to be a hard race. She's one of my top competitors and one of my good friends so it was a good day."

Clouse returned from a three-week European campaign that included a top-10 at the World Cup in Besançon in the elite field and will return for another stint over the Christmas holiday.

"I think it was good, our last couple of races were super muddy - I know the US races have been super fast and dry so it was good to get some muddy races in before today. I'm glad it was muddy, it made for a good race, it made it more technical."