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Nikki Thiemann had the best finish line celebration of the day, winning the Masters 35-39 race. © Cyclocross Magazine

Nikki Thiemann had the best finish line celebration of the day, winning the Masters 35-39 race. © Cyclocross Magazine

Austin, TX- Nikki Thiemann (Rare Disease Cycling) was a strong favorite heading into today’s 35-39 women’s race, and she did not disappoint. Thiemann turned the hole shot into a commanding lead, riding smoothly through the challenging and slippery off-cambers.

With overnight rain layering the course with slick mud, racing successfully today required a fine balance of both riding hard and staying cautious – and Thiemann looked like she had the power and skills to do the job.

Climbing the Texas Limestone. © Brian Nelson

Climbing the Texas Limestone. © Brian Nelson

Kristen Kelsey (Axiom HVAC-Voler), Rebecca Blatt (Van Dessel Factory Team), and Emily Reynolds (Ladies First) took on the task of chasing Thiemann. Blatt and Kelsey worked together to reel in the leader after Reynolds fell back, but it was Blatt who charged her way into second and began gaining time on Thiemann.

Erin Holmes (Gus Cycling enjoying the conditions. © Brian Nelson

Erin Holmes (Gus Cycling) enjoying the conditions. © Brian Nelson

With one to go, Blatt had whittled away some of Thiemann’s lead, but there wasn’t enough time left in the race to undo the damage Thiemann had done. Nikki Thiemann claimed a well-deserved victory, with Blatt finishing second and Kelsey third.

“I’ve tried to win a master’s race four or five years in a row and blown it,” said a happy Thiemann. “This is really icing on the cake of a crazy season.”

More from Thiemann here:

2015 National Championships, Masters Women 35-39

PlaceBibLastFirstTeamLicenseCity STTimeGap
154THIEMANNNicoleRare Disease Cycling213558Philadelphia PA46:59
233BLATTRebeccaVan Dessel Factory Team241201Lakewood CO47:2122
345KELSEYKristen269835Woodinville WA47:5354
446KONCZNatalieNemesis Racing187206Spokane WA48:311:32
551REYNOLDSEmily342992Medford MA48:331:34
650PARKJennySquadra Di Servitori188342San Antonio TX49:262:27
735CASEJessicaEvol Elite Racing364423Niwot CO49:342:35
848MARSHALLBrianneTough Girl Cycling287045Durango CO49:422:43
940GILLJessica457091Happy Valley OR51:214:22
1036CHASEMelodyGus Cycling215433Portsmouth NH51:224:23
1143HOLMESErinGus Cycling387994Exeter NH51:564:57
1234CARTERMelanieSEAVS/Haymarket416234College Park MD52:475:48
1352STEVENSAngelinaChampion System/DCX223755Chapel Hill NC53:106:11
1439ETHERTONMelanieTeam Cycle Progression271764Austin TX53:166:17
1532BEARDAprilBrazen Dropouts Cycling Team334352Cottage Grove WI53:356:36
1641HARTMANLisaSugar Cycles/Wholesome Sweetene217745Houston TX@1Lap
1753THACKERAYChantelDNA Cycling 801249124Murray City UT@1Lap
1831ARCHERMeganCycle-Smart Grassroots Team387488Asheville NC@1Lap
1947LOLICHErin457202Portland OR@1Lap
2056WATKINSFaith360970Austin TX@1Lap
2149MILLSCarollynn320308Massapequa NY@2Laps
2244HORNJillianSugar Cycles/Wholesome Sweetene289045Houston TX@3Laps
DNS37COLLINSLindsey251804San Francisco CA
DNS42HOLLINGSWORTHBethVelocity Pro Cycle295701Northport AL
DNS55THOMPSONAndieBirmingham Velo416881Birmingham AL