Full 2016 USA Cycling Cyclocross National Championship coverage can be found right here.
#CXNats race reports from Wed-Saturday are brought to you in part by Verge Sport.
ASHEVILLE, North Carolina—The late afternoon today saw the Men’s 65-69 Championship Race storm the field.
It was John Ruger who led the 29 racers around the opening left turn to the delight of the crowd lining the start chute. But it was a short time before a small group amassed at the head of the race to dictate the pace.
Last year’s winner, Phillip Bannister (Putney/West Hill) along with Fred Wittwer (Charm City Cycling LLC), Richard Pearson (Team Kaos Cycling) and David Linden (Team Dayton Bicycling).
At the first pass of the off camber section leading into the barn, both Bannister and Wittwer slid out and went down, and it looked like there would be a significant reshuffling.
Masters 65 first lap. #cxnats #vergesport pic.twitter.com/sDltJLl0Pf
— Cyclocross Magazine (@cyclocross) January 6, 2016
But out of the barn and up and over Ingles Heckle Hill and Wittwer was on the front and with the effort had strung out the leaders with Pearson and Bannister giving chase but not gaining.
Wittwer never let up after that lead swap and limited any mistakes to build on his advantage and put the title well within his grasp.
Fred Wittwer in command of the Masters 65-69. © Cyclocross Magazine
With one lap to go, Wittwer was up by 30 seconds over Pearson and was planning on celebrating his National Championship title. And he had reason to celebrate as he is just recovered from a broken shoulder and hadn’t planned on racing just weeks ago.
2016 USA Cycling Cyclocross National Championships Men's 65-69 Full Results
| Pl | Name | Team | Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Fred WITTWER | Charm City Cycling LLC | 39:05. |
| 2 | Richard PEARSON | Team Kaos Cycling | 39:37. |
| 3 | Phillip BANNISTER | Putney/West Hill | 41:25. |
| 4 | Robert OGREN | The Fix Studio | 41:54. |
| 5 | Michael MEYER | Local Velo | 42:21. |
| 6 | David BEALS | nycross.com | 42:34. |
| 7 | Kim BUTLER | 42:44. | |
| 8 | Thomas GEE | Lift Center Racing | 42:59. |
| 9 | Chuck GILLIS | Nashbar Cycling Club | 43:02. |
| 10 | David LINDEN | Team Dayton Bicycling | 43:38. |
| 11 | John RUGER | 43:47. | |
| 12 | Rick ABBOTT | Excel Sports Boulder | 44:01. |
| 13 | Hunter SMITH | Boulder Cycle Sport/ YogaGlo | 44:09. |
| 14 | Ken RODGERS | 45:06. | |
| 15 | Bruce OLIVER | National Capital Velo Club/Unit | 45:21. |
| 16 | Nunzio DIBIASI | Deluxx Bicycles | 45:33. |
| 17 | Charles SOUTH | Summit City Cyclocross Team | 45:46. |
| 18 | Tom CARR | 46:02. | |
| 19 | Albert WEIGEL | Village-Verdigris Cycling | 47:24. |
| 20 | David GENEST | HOUSE INDUSTRIES - WITHINGS - S | 48:05. |
| 21 | Christopher MORIARTY | Jays Cycle Center | 39:59. |
| 22 | Jim MUELLER | Bikesport / Slyfox Racing | 27:35. |
| 23 | Larry MAYSE | 29:36. | |
| 24 | Victor FABRICIUS | Northstar Racing | 33:20. |
| 25 | Angelo DESIMONE | Northstar Racing | 33:29. |
| 26 | Harry FORTNEY | Ames Velo | 34:00. |
| 27 | Frank WIGMORE | Guys Racing Club | 34:40. |
| 28 | Norman WELLINGS | 37:49. | |
| 29 | Myron SEGAL | Arrow Bicycle | 38:51. |
Be sure to enter Verge Sport’s Cyclocross Nationals giveaway, details here.
