DAVIDSON, N.C. - The Roanoke College cycling team sent three racers to the 2022 NCCX event on Saturday in Davidson, N.C. All three competed in the CX Men Cat. 4 race. Hays Edmunds was the top Maroon finisher in sixth place with Rafe Johnson (16th) and Ben Cerkovnik (21st) also competing.
Race Report by Edmunds: "The course was a great balance of muddy single track and power heavy grass sections. After an early crash, I focused very heavily on moving back up and taking positions. Races like this are great for improving technical skills and developing a drive to move up in positions. Ultimately, I lost an ongoing fight for 4th place and ended up 6th. I'm very proud of my teammates for how they showed up today. Ben had an early mechanical issue but kept riding and got back in the race, and Rafe is starting to show his true competitive nature. I can't wait to race next weekend in Asheville with the Roanoke crew."
Race Report by Johnson: "This race was so satisfying. As Ben, Hays and I did our pre-ride through the course as a warmup, Hays gave us some good advice about cornering in super muddy spots: this changed my race entirely! I started out in last place but was able to slowly pass people one by one. I'm happy with how I raced, but I still have so much to improve on!
Race Report by Cerkovnik: "I hit the ground within the first 60 seconds of the race and fell into last place. I spent the rest of the race chasing back on and continuing to slide out in the corners. Although I'm not thrilled with how the race went, that's how bike racing is some days. You just get back up and keep on moving!"
Next Up:
- The Maroons will next compete at the North Carolina Grand Prix and ACCC Conference championship on Saturday, Nov. 19 and Sunday, Nov. 20 in Hendersonville, N.C.
- The event will see some of the best international cyclocross racers from around the world compete. Both days are scheduled for 8 a.m.
