Metzger, Much score Cyclo-cross titles


Collegiate Women's podium
December 10, 2004 (Portland, Ore.) – The USA Cycling National Cyclo-cross Championships got underway today at the Portland International Raceway as Melodie Metzger (UC Berkeley) and Rebecca Much (Alan Factory Team/Fort Lewis College) claimed the first victories in the collegiate and U23 women’s events. Several masters categories also negotiated their way through the mud in search of the coveted stars and stripes jerseys.

The U23 and Collegiate women lined up together for what was expected to be the race of the day, with many of the racers competing for both titles that were up for grabs. The field featured a competitive group of women representing the best riders from all regions of the country.


Metzger on her way to a national title
The women quickly spread out due to the sticky mud from the previous day’s rain. The energy draining conditions made it a day for power riders and Melodie Metzger proved to be exactly that when she became the solo leader in the second lap. “It was very muddy and sticky,” Metzger remarked after her win. “The first lap was tough. I just decided to sit in and see what happened.”

By the bell lap, the UC Berkeley rider had a 16-second lead on 2004 World Championship silver medalist Rebecca Much. If Much had been able to take the lead she would have claimed both the U23 and the Collegiate crown, but the final lap gave way for Betsy Schauer (University of Pittsburgh) to move into second. Schauer came close to catching the leader on the homestretch – but not close enough. Metzger crossed the line first to claim the Collegiate national title, while Schauer finished in second. Much claimed third in the collegiate ranks and secured the U23 national title.

Next to toe the line were the masters men 50-54, 55-59, and 60+. The 50-54 category featured some exciting action, as there were more attacks than typically seen in cyclo-cross racing. Paul Curley, Dag Selander, and Gary Thatcher fought it out for most of the race. Curley walked away with the top honor, while Thatcher secured the silver medal and Selander won bronze. After 45 minutes of racing, David Rath made the national championship effort in the 55-59 category, finishing ahead of John Elgart. The 60+ race saw last year’s 55-59 national champion James Wagner (Auburn, Wash.) best his competitors for the national title in his new age group.


David Rath won the men's 55-59 crown
Up next were the Masters women 40-44 and 45+. Right from the gun, Suzanne King took a very commanding lead that she never relinquished and walked away with the stars and stripes in the 40-44 category, while Kathy Sarvary finished right behind her and captured the win in the 45+ group. In the final event of the day, Steve Tillford put forth the winning effort in the Men’s 45-49 race.

Action continues tomorrow with junior and masters racing as well as the Collegiate and U23 men’s events.


This Article Published December 10, 2004 For more information contact: