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We’re still digging out from under our pile of photos and videos from Nationals this past week—one of our photographers alone clocked in with 1400 photos just from Sunday’s races! So this week, we’ll be showcasing some of the many stories from the week that we may have missed in our efforts to bring you the most up to date race reporting during the event.  For our coverage during the week, check out our 2014 Cyclocross National Championship Page here.

Crystal Anthony starting strong and snagging the holeshot. © Mike Albright

Crystal Anthony starting strong and snagging the holeshot. © Mike Albright

Today we’re catching up with Crystal Anthony, who rode her way to fourth at Elite Nationals this past Sunday. She’s had a great season and finished it with enough results both in the US and Europe to score her a spot on the Worlds team.

On the race... I was in third for 95% of the race, so I really wanted to hang on to that. I felt like I rode the best race I could but Meredith, she was just super strong. I needed another Gu at the end there.

On her strategy… I got the holeshot, so I was happy with that. I didn’t want to go crazy being at altitude so once I got clear of the corner I just backed of a little bit, settled into third and just focused on riding consistently from there. Once Meredith caught me I just tried to stay on her wheel and not do anything too soon. I just couldn’t get around her in the end.

About stair running… I learned my lesson back at the Boulder Cup when I got my butt kicked on the stairs. I was like, OK, being short is not an excuse. I just need to go and practice some stairs.

About the course… You really had to drive your bike. You couldn’t just go in a straight line.

About racing in Europe prior to Nationals… It just gets dreary in New England, dark and cold. People were making fun of me for saying that [since Belgium isn’t better weather-wise] but it was 45 degrees there. A little rain but at least it was a little warmer and just the racing is inspiring.

On the season structure… We need to get more US races in December, because what else would you want to be doing in December?

For all the best Cyclocross Nationals 2014 coverage, including bike profiles, race reports, results and video interviews, check out our 2014 Cyclocross National Championship Page here.