Coyotes at the USAC National Championships!

July 27, 2021
L-R: Brian Miller, Megan Miller, Eric Forrester (behind Megan), Olivia Miller, Anabel Miller, Pete Boon (behind Anabel), Sheri Boon, Madine Whitmer, Jacob Boon, Addison Forrester, Cullen Perkey (in front of Addison), Eric Hoffman, Luke Zuelke, Aaron Zuelke, Alan Hoffman, Tish Hoffman, Andrea Weir

Several Varsity racers travelled to Winter Park, Colorado to race in the USA Cycling National Championships. It marked the first time the team appeared at a national championship race and the first time any of our racers competed at a MTB national championship.

The race took place at 9,200′ elevation and each lap opened with a 700′ climb to over 9,900′ of elevation. Our riders’ midwestern, flat-land lungs, were certainly tested on a course that at least one rider described as “the hardest climb I’ve ever done in a race” (every single lap).

Riders competed in up to three races:

  • Age Group National Championships – The traditional USAC National Championships with the deepest field, including UCI-ranked international racers from across the US. Luke (17/18), Addison (17/18), Madine (17/18) and Anabel (15/16) competed in these races on July 9th.
  • Short Track (STXC or XCC) – A 20-30 minute race with short laps (about half a mile long) characterized by attacks, “over 100%” sprinting for the entire race, and tight finishes. Luke, Madine and Anabel competed in Short Track on July 10th and 11th.
  • H.S. National Championships – A new event this year, with racers organized by HS Grade (instead of age). The same group as above plus Eric Hoffman and Jacob Boon competed in the HS races on July 14th. Luke Zuelke got injured in a pre-ride and had to sit out this race. We wish him a speedy recovery!!!
MTB Professional, former Iceman Winner and Michigan Native Alexsey Vermeulen was kind enough to sit down with the riders to impart some wisdom, and let them meet his dog Sir Willie. L-R: Jacob Boon, Luke Zuelke, Cullen Perkey, Alexsey Vermeulen, Anabel Miller, Madine Whitmer, Addison Forrester

Results

  • Luke Zuelke
    • 17/18 Cross Country: 77th (+12:20)
    • 17/18 Short Track Cross Country: DNQ (Qualifying was 2 rounds of 40-45 riders, Top 25 qualified for finals)
  • Addison Forrester (17/18 XC, HS Junior)
    • 17/18 Cross Country: 54th
    • High School Juniors: 12th (+18:09)
  • Madine Whitmer (17/18 XC & STXC, HS Sophomore)
    • 17/18 Cross Country: 53rd
    • 17/18 Short Track XC: 43rd
    • High School Sophomores: 9th (+10:08)
  • Anabel Miller (15/16 XC & STXC, HS Sophomore)
    • 15/16 Cross Country: 32nd (+20:34)
    • 15/16 Short Track XC: 20th (+4:36)
    • High School Sophomores: 5th (+6:00)
  • Eric Hoffman
    • High School Juniors: 35th (+19:50)
  • Jacob Boon (HS Junior):
    • DNS (Qualified 34th but did not start)
First-ever Coyote podium at USAC National Championships! Anabel Miller, 5th place, HS Sophomore Girls

Image Gallery

Here are some images from the various races!

  • Addison in the rock garden
  • Anabel in the rock garden
  • Addison on the endless climb
  • Addison looking to pass
  • Addison before the storm
  • Addison after the storm