Like stated in my Pre-National Blog http://jonstuder.blogspot.com/2014/07/pre-usa-cycling-xc-mountain-bike.html the 2014 USA Cycling cross country mountain bike nationals was located at Bear Creek Resort just south of Allentown PA. This was the second year for this location. I decided for this race I was going to race the U23 class. As mentioned in the previous blog, I was diagnosed with Epstein-Barr which is a form of mono a month before the race. I was advised to back the training off just a little the weeks before the race and just power through the race. So the weeks going up to the race I didn't do much speed work. I just rode typical rides. Some rides has some short sprints through the single track but most of the time the rides were laid back.
I raced on July 18th which was a Friday. The U23 classes and Cat 1 junior classes rode the pro course. I was able to put in a lap of the course on the day before. I should have done more laps but I needed to save myself for the following day and realistically more time on the course wouldn't have done much good. This course was very challenging. It had a lot of climbing and a lot of rocks. After the lap on Thursday, I went back to the hotel and made a few bike changes and just tried to relax for the race the following day.
The morning of the race I got in a good warm up on the rollers and some riding around on the race bike. I got up the start area once it was time and then the officials proceeded to line us up as we were seated. I was seated 40th out of 45. Not very good but considering 5 riders had UCI points I couldn't be to upset with starting in the back. As the race started the group took off like a rocket. Unfortunately with having mono I was unable to put in the fast pace to keep up with the group. I tried my best to stay on the wheel of the rider in front of me but I just had nothing in my legs. It felt like I was dragging an anchor. Racing with mono is the most frustrating experience I have ever had. As the race went on I just tried to keep the bike on two wheels and not crash. After the first lap I started to get in the groove and just tried to ride hard and finish the race with out any injuries or mechanicals. I had plenty of issues getting through the rock gardens and struggled with the climbs. Normally the climbs are my strong point but the illness truly messed up any chances of having a solid finish. The 4 laps that I did were getting better and better but between the illness and the heat I felt like I was out for a easy stroll through the resort. I have never felt that weak on a bike. I came across the finish 1 lap down and in 35th place out of 45. I was scored of being 2 laps down.
After the race I was really upset with myself. I knew I could have done much better if I was healthy. I felt slightly embarrassed about how I rode. Like most people I am harder on myself that others are so I just was upset with myself for the first few hours after the race. I was upset knowing that I could have been in the top 25 if I was healthy. I put so much emphasis on this race all season long and its what I trained so hard for in the off season and the early races. Since this was my last year in the U23 class I wanted to go off with a strong finish and get my name out there in the sport. I felt like I let people down with my results. On the drive home I was able to think things through and have some great conversations with my dad and friends. They put things into perspective for me. The top riders in that class are some of the top riders in the world cups and are getting paid to ride. I'm just a typical college student who does this out of my own pocket with the help of my parents. I don't get paid for this. I have some amazing sponsors but it's nothing compared to a factory ride. Also a lot of these riders have been riding for year. This is only my second year racing mountain bike and only my 4th year riding bicycles competitively. I really haven't been around the sport that long and to already have my Cat 1 card is a great accomplishment.
The experience I had with this race was amazing. I got to ride a course that had elements that are not even close to the stuff that I ride in Michigan. I got a chance to compete with some of the best U23 (19-22) riders in the country. I didn't get any injures or have any bike problems. I learned so much about how I need to be setting up my bikes. This race was like no other. It really reminded me of the motocross world. You can be one of the top riders in your home state but when you take that to a national level you can be just another rider in the class and nothing special. The opportunity to race in a state that I have never been to was great. I have never got a chance to see that part of the country before so that was an experience in it self. Even though my results were not what I was hoping for or what I know I could have done it I was healthy it was a great experience and I am happy for taking the risk of going out there knowing that I was going to struggle with this illness. I had many thoughts about giving up the trip because I was ill but I am so damn happy that I didn't give that up. It was so fun.
I want to thank those who help me the most. I couldn't do this with out you. From sponsors to friends or family. You are all equally as important to my racing and I couldn't thank you enough
Mom and Dad
Sister and Niece
Cody and Wes Sovis
Eric Statt
Jason Luther
Sault Cycling Club
Breakaway Bicycles of Muskegon
Hammer Nutrition
Crank Brothers
Schwalbe Tires
Spy Optics
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