AZCross #5 - Crossroads Park, Gilbert AZ

It was another back to back racing weekend with day 2 taking us back into the city to Crossroads Park in Gilbert.  The crew raced this venue last season, but the changes to the course made it completely different and significantly more difficult.  There were tight turns in loose gravel and on wet grass along with 3 steep hill climbs with barriers on each one.  We were in for a tough battle!

Boys 9-14 race start

Up first for the boys 9-14 were Liam, Luke, and new to our team Giovanni.  The start was fast, with Liam taking the lead.  The tight turns proved difficult for even the most experienced riders.  Liam was able to emerge 1st after lap one and continued to grow his lead.  He was able to take the top step again!

Liam remounting after a tough hilltop barrier

Luke was locked in a battle for 4th place for the entire race.  He battled hard, pushing himself to the limit.  In the end, he came in just 1 second behind for a 5th place finish after a very impressive battle.

Luke powering over the barricade

Giovanni rode a solid and clean race.  His comfort level with CX racing is growing each week.  He took 7th overall on the day.

Giovanni coming through the straight away at
the bottom of the course

The girls 9-18 were up next.  Lining up were Emma, Avery, and Bella, who is also new to our team.  Emma was again locked in a battle for 1st with Alyssa.  The two traded the lead on and off for much of the race.  Alyssa was able to pull away on the grueling hill climbs to snag the win by 12 seconds.  Emma came in a solid 2nd after a most impressive effort.

Emma going strong midway through the race

Avery was feeling better, and it showed today.  She attacked the climbs each lap, landing herself on the podium again for a 3rd place finish.

Avery powering up the steep hills

Bella also rode strong today on and incredibly tough course.  She came in not far behind Avery in 4th place.

Bella heading into the first barrier

It was another fantastic week of cross racing!  We have a week off before heading back out Thanksgiving weekend for back to back races.

Girls 9-18 podium

Boys 9-14 podium