Start of the New 'Cross Season

Cyclocross season is in full swing now with last weekends races already being the 5th weekend of local racing. The season sure is going by quickly and the big races haven't even begun.
But to back up to the start of the season. My training started after a nice long break from the road season and I was eager (maybe a little too eager) to get going. I hit the training a bit too hard and came down with what the doctor called Distal IT Band Syndrome. This sidelined me for a few weeks, and in the process I missed the USGP in Madison and the first World Cup in Italy.
I have fully recovered from that now and have been racing local the past 3 weekends to get back into shape.
My first weekend back to racing was the Boss Cross races in Parkville, MO. I wasn't too sure what to expect since I hadn't been able to ride much because of the injury, but I felt pretty good and was able to score 8th place both days in very stacked fields.
The next weekend was just one race, Chris Cross, in Leavenworth, KS. It was the first cold race of the year (starting temp was in the 30's and this is early October!). My teammate, Joseph Schmalz, was away quickly and I was in the chase group. One of my other teammates, Jeff Winkler, and I were able to get away from the other chasers and ride up to Joseph. We were all able to stay away for the rest of the race to go 1,2,3 with me taking 2nd.
This past weekend was the Capital Cup and Boulevard Cup races. The Capital Cup was held last Saturday in Topeka, KS and went pretty well. The course featured 2 back to back runups and grass that was constantly sucking away your speed. A relatively small field lined up and in the end Jeff Winkler and I were able to get away to go 1,2 for the day.
The next day was the Boulevard Cup in Wyandotte County Park. A very fast field lined up and after the first lap or so a group of 5 of us were away. About midrace Joseph was able to attack and ride away for the win. I was fighting for 2nd place until just before 1 lap to go and I went into a turn a little too hot and went down. I quickly got back up and tried to chase back on but it was too late in the race and I had to settle for 5th.
I have been having a lot of fun working and racing hard this season but none of it would be possible without my sponsors and I send thanks to all of them.
Next weekend I am off to Louisville, KY for some good 17-18 competition and the second round of the USGP.