Need to Know
Results: Click here for Complete Results
Location: Hartford, Connecticut
Hartford, CT - Continuing competition on the national level, the Piedmont College cycling teams took part in USA Cycling's Collegiate Cyclo-Cross Nationals this past week up in Connecticut.
Two male riders from Piedmont competed in the men's Varsity A Race including
ANDREW GUELZO who worked through mechanical issues caused by the muddy conditions to finish 51st of the 57-man race despite riding a half lap with his chain being jammed in his derailuer.
The men's race would be later captured by Brannan Fix of Colorado Mesa University with the Lions making their Cyclo-Cross Nationals debut.
For the women, veteran rider
ERICA ALLAR was the lone participant racing in slightly warmer temps than the early run by the men though the course conditions only became muddier. The conditions forced pit exchanges each lap with Allar finishing the race of attrition in 13th of 27 riders.
On the second day of the event, Piedmont took part in the collegiate team relay which involved each of the variety teams racing four complete laps of the course. However, the race came after temps dropped below freezing creating some tricky new sections of the course which is part of the challenge of Cyclo-Cross.
With a three-person team in the relay and no person on the team allowed to complete two consecutive laps, Allar was required to ride two of the laps starting off the first before being followed by Guelzo and youngster
DYLAN CANTRELL with the lone Lady Lion pulling up the anchor lap.
The Lions placed 8th against 10 teams full of four experienced riders providing a glimpse of the future potential of the young Piedmont cycling program.
Standout Performances
--Allar posted the best finish of the trio in Connecticut with her 13th place showing in the 27-woman race despite the muddy conditions up north.
News & Notes
--This was the Cylco-Cross Nationals debut for Piedmont who has already competed in the Collegiate Track and Mountain Bike Nationals held by USA Cycling with the best finishes coming in track where PC took home six national titles.
About the Event
Cyclo-Cross, a winter cycling sport that is best described as a mix of mountain biking and road cycling, proved challenging for the collegiate racers. With multiple rainy days prior to the January 4 race day, the course provided extremely wet, cold and muddy conditions.
Up Next
The Swamp Classic, a road event held down in Gainesville, Florida with the University of Florida serving as the host. The event will take place February 11-12, 2017.
How to Follow
To stay up to date on all information regarding Piedmont College Athletics, be sure to visit PiedmontLions.com and connect with the Green and Gold on social media. Follow the Lions on Twitter: @PiedmontLions, Instagram: @PiedmontLions, Snapchat: @PiedmontLions and Facebook. To follow each Piedmont athletic program on social media, use the Social Media Directory at PiedmontLions.com or click here.
