XCM world champion and one of the leading figures in American mountain biking, Kate Courtney, has just added an unexpected yet prestigious title to her collection. The She Sends Racing rider was crowned US road race champion this Sunday after defeating Lauren Stephens in a thrilling two-rider sprint in Charleston, West Virginia.
Courtney, who only made her road racing debut a few weeks ago, surprised the specialists with a very solid performance and a perfect tactical decision in the final kilometers to take the victory after 113.8 kilometers of competition.
The race was decided after a long chase of Paige Onweller (Trek-Driftless), a gravel specialist who led the day’s breakaway. Onweller rode solo for more than 77 kilometers and at one point held a lead of over three minutes on the peloton.
However, the decisive selection began to form in the final laps of the Charleston circuit, where the Aegis x Leaders of Enchantment team upped the pace. Courtney responded personally on the most demanding climbs to reduce the gap and create a selection that ultimately left Lauren Stephens, Grace Arlandson, Jamie Chapman, Ashley Frye, Kira Payer, and Courtney herself at the front.
On the final climb to Bridge Road, Stephens launched a decisive attack that only Courtney could match. They finally caught Onweller with 11 kilometers to go and then began an intense tactical duel towards the finish.
The American MTB champion knew that in a classic sprint she had little chance against a rider as experienced as Stephens. Therefore, she decided to surprise everyone by launching her attack much earlier than usual.
With about 700 meters remaining, she attacked, taking advantage of a series of curves she had studied during the previous laps. She gained a few meters of advantage and was able to maintain it all the way to the finish line.
“I figured playing cat and mouse would probably benefit her more. She’s a very smart rider, and you should never underestimate her moves at the end. So I decided to attack early, take advantage of the turns, and not stop pedaling for a single second until I crossed the finish line,” Courtney explained after the race.
From MTB to National Road Champion
The victory has a special meaning for Courtney. Although she is one of the most successful mountain bikers in the United States—she has been an XCO World Champion, is the current XCM World Champion, and has won several World Cup events and overall titles—she had never managed to win the national road championship.
“This is very special. I think I have seven or eight silver medals in national mountain bike championships. To be able to win another national championship and wear this jersey again is something I can’t put into words,” she declared, overcome with emotion.
Source: www.brujulabike.com