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Catherine Moore (Squadra Di Servitore) at the limestone steps. © Brian Nelson

Catherine Moore (Squadra Di Servitore) at the limestone steps. © Brian Nelson

(Austin, TX)-Jennifer Herrell-Rhoades (Midwest Cycling Trek Stores of KC) had an impressive start, gunning to the front of the pack after the whistle. Right on her heels, Texas rider Catherine Moore (Squadra Di Servitori) not only stayed close behind on the early stretch, but took over the race within a half lap and created a huge gap.

Meanwhile, New Jersey rider Stacey Barbossa (Midatlantic Colavita) was caught up in early traffic with Katina Walker (Verge/VeloNRS), and both big cyclocross names were relegated to the back of the top ten in the early goings.

Moore was able to press on, maintaining a near half-minute lead for most of the race through the finish. “To represent on your home turf is unbelievable,” she told Cyclocross Magazine right after winning. After crashing in the early season, she had to take lots of time off, and admitted coming into the rest of the season late. The crash also was a good reminder of the value of knowing when to stay off the bike and recover: a lesson she was able to remember for the remainder of the year.

Catherine Moore, the first Texan to wear the Red, White and Blue at the 2015 Cyclocross Nationals. © Cyclocross Magazine

Catherine Moore, the first Texan to wear the Red, White and Blue at the 2015 Cyclocross Nationals. © Cyclocross Magazine

Although Barbossa had a rough start behind traffic, the race was far from over for her. She fought her way through traffic, battling a 15-second gap that second place had. The competition proved to be brutal as six women remained on her wheel, especially Tanya Bettis (Sport Systems Mountaintop Cycling), who seemed determined to get second after a skewer fell out of her wheel early in the race.

In the final stretch, Barbossa took the drops and focused on the finish line instead of her competition, and she was able to eek out just enough for silver on the day. Bettis came in soon after in third.

2015 National Championships, Masters Women 45-49

PlaceLastFirstTeamCity STTimeGap
1MOORECatherineSquadra Di ServitoriWaco TX36:52
2BARBOSSAStaceyMidatlantic Colavita WomenMountainside NJ37:3442
3BETTISTanyaSport Systems Mountaintop CycliAlbuquerque NM37:3543
4HERRELL-RHOADESJenniferMidwest Cycling Trek Stores ofKansas City MO37:5058
5GOMEZFeliciaFresno CA38:011:09
6ARENDKristie50x15 CyclingBoulder CO38:021:10
7TRACELauraPortland OR38:201:28
8WALKERKatinaVerge/VeloNRSTully NY38:511:59
9ABELMargellEvol Elite RacingBoulder CO39:082:16
10WESCOTTEricaBend OR39:202:28
11PROBERTChristinaThe TEAMMurrieta CA39:372:45
12BEAMCristienneDenver CO39:432:51
13YATESTracyGiant Southwest RacingArvada CO39:492:57
14ROBERTSON-ZIVINJulieSeattle WA40:133:21
15MOFFATMicheleCROSS PROPZ RACINGBoulder CO40:303:38
16BLACKMelanieMellow Johnny's Cycling TeamAustin TX40:353:43
17KENNEDYAnnPortland OR40:403:48
18KAMINSKYRobinStageOne Cycling TeamRedondo Beach CA40:403:48
19GRONINGERAnnBikelaw.comCharlotte NC40:513:59
20BISHOPKimFiets Maan Racing p/b Luna CyclKingsport TN40:564:04
21PAISANTJulieMock Orange BikesHigh Point NC41:124:20
22MORITZCatherineSugar Cycles/Wholesome SweeteneHouston TX41:324:40
23NEVINEmilySeattle WA42:085:16
24RAGAN-MARLOWEJenniferRockwall RacingRoyse City TX42:155:23
25LUNDYChrisThirstyBear p/b AkamaiSausalito CA43:036:11
26LUCIDOKristinMirageGarland TX43:577:05
27COZZASherriUPMC/ Pro BikesPresto PA44:407:48
28MCFADDENSandrineNemesis RacingMill Creek WA44:548:02
29MANSELLRhondaBoulder CO@2Laps
DNSBUSBYLeighBicycle Sport Shop ClubAustin TX
DNSKINGGinnyKingRacingGroupDallas TX