by David Mable
With her fan club showing up in full force, Stacey Barbossa (Colavita Midatlantic Women’s Team/ Mountainside, NJ) was poised and ready to challenge for the national title of the Women’s 50-54 age group. Laura Van Gilder (Van Dessel Factory Team/Cresco, PA), however, had other ideas for the day.
Stacey Barbossa made up for last year’s mechanical while in the lead and finished on the podium this year. 2017 Cyclocross National Championships, Masters Women 50-54. © A. Yee / Cyclocross Magazine
“It was tenuous out there and I was quite nervous for the conditions as well as the competition,” said Van Gilder. “I was really happy to put together a good ride.”
Van Gilder pulled away on the first lap, helped when Barbossa got tangled in the tape of the first climb up the embankment.
“I was nervous,” said Van Gilder. “I knew that just a little bobble could cost you a bit of time because it’s fast, so any delay would have brought back the competition.”
Van Gider powers through the ruts. 2017 Cyclocross National Championships, Masters Women 50-54. © A. Yee / Cyclocross Magazine
Consistent lap times kept her out front and out of harm’s way. Van Gilder rode her first three laps at 9 minutes, 20 seconds, her fourth and final lap only 13 seconds slower.
“I was just trying to stay steady and smooth, and I felt if I could choose my own line, I might not feel rushed,” she said. “And I never do consistent laps, so I’m kind of excited!”
Barbossa came to Hartford to win, but understands the level of competition she faced. “I came here to win,” said Barbossa. “But to lose to Van Gilder, there’s no shame in that. I’ve beaten her, but it’s rare. She makes me better and hopefully I make her better.”
The ageless Laura Van Gilder wins her first Masters National Championship in cyclocross. 2017 Cyclocross National Championships, Masters Women 50-54. © A. Yee / Cyclocross Magazine
Barbossa chased from the first half lap on, but couldn’t close the gap even with the aid of Laura Trace (Team Oregon p/b Laurelwood Brewing Co./Portland, OR).
“I gave her too much of a lead at the start, and just couldn’t close the gap,” said Barbossa. “I know there’s some places that I’m a little better than her, based on our previous experiences, but I spotted her a pretty good lead right off the bat and she did a pretty good job.”
After Van Gilder, Barbossa pulled away to finish second while Trace hung on for third.
2017 CX National Championships Hartford Day 3 Results Masters Women 50-54
| Place | Bib | Last | First | Team | Time | Gap |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 79 | VAN GILDER | Laura | Van Dessel Factory Team | 37:44:00 | |
| 2 | 62 | BARBOSSA | Stacey | Colavita Midatlantic Women's Te | 38:13:00 | 29 |
| 3 | 78 | TRACE | Laura | Team Oregon p/b Laurelwood Brew | 38:54:00 | 1:10 |
| 4 | 75 | SHELDON | Elizabeth | Crosshairs Cycling | 40:34:00 | 2:50 |
| 5 | 65 | COOKE | Lori | Cycle Lodge | 41:22:00 | 3:38 |
| 6 | 80 | VANDERHAEGEN | Geraldine | Olympia Orthopaedic Associates | 41:53:00 | 4:09 |
| 7 | 71 | SATROWSKY | Michele | Riverside Racing | 42:02:00 | 4:18 |
| 8 | 73 | SCHULZE | Gerry | Team Hungry | 42:12:00 | 4:28 |
| 9 | 77 | TANNER | Jan | Eastern Bloc Cycling Club Inc. | 42:35:00 | 4:51 |
| 10 | 67 | MILLER | Jean | Sorella Cycling p/b Hincapie Sp | 43:16:00 | 5:32 |
| 11 | 68 | MOFFAT | Michele | 50x15 Cycling | 43:20:00 | 5:36 |
| 12 | 74 | SHEFFIELD | Marit | Park Ave Bike Shop | 43:39:00 | 5:55 |
| 13 | 66 | KRAUT | Jennifer | Colavita Midatlantic Women's Te | 45:10:00 | 7:26 |
| 14 | 63 | BROWN | Katherine | Riverside Racing | 45:37:00 | 7:53 |
| 15 | 76 | SROKA | Julie | Team Lake Effect | 34:16:00 | @1Lap |
| 16 | 72 | SCHULTZ | Cara | Team Bikenetic | 35:12:00 | @1Lap |
| 17 | 64 | CARLETON | Alex | Steve the Bike Guy Velo Studio | 40:22:00 | @1Lap |
| 18 | 61 | ABBRUZZESI | Joanne | Kennett Square PA | 40:35:00 | @1Lap |
| DNF | 69 | PETTIT | Kimberly | RBM/Matrix Racing | ||
| DNS | 70 | PRESTINE | Jodie | Ben's Cycle/Milwaukee Bicycle C |
