This past weekend, Sol Vista hosted the 2009 USA Cycling National Championships. Miracle racing created quite a presence there with 3 strong riders, Dusty Gillingham, Zach Smith and Stacy Schroeder, and a host of family and friends dawning apprently new MR shirts!
The process leading to this event was arduous, hard fought and much anticipated. For Dusty preparations began last season as gradually his time on the bike increased and his race times decreased. Despite an ever illusive podium, he continued to turn in strong finishes at local and major events. Worth mentioning in that is a top 10 finish in both Super-D and XC at this years Sea Otter, a top 5 finish at this years' Downieville Classic, and 4th place at Nationals!
For Zach, this process seemed to happen almost over night. All of a sudden Zach began showing up at races with an even more chiseled physique, new bikes and turning in strong fast race times. At the Sea Otter this year, Zach shed significant time off his time last year to finish 13th in a huge field of riders. Notable finishes include a Top 10 finish in the Dual Slalom category at this years' Sea Otter Classic, 2nd place in the Dual Slalom in Santa Ynez, CA, 11th place at this years' Downieville Classic, and 4th place and 6th place at Nationals!
Stacy came into Nationals after a fighting through an injury from May of this year. Rest and re-training propelled her into strong position to take 5th place in the Cat 2 Women's division at Nationals. Other finishes include two top 5 finishes in Duo and 5-man 24 hour races, and a 1st place finish in a CCCX XC race at Ft. Ord.
Congratulations to the three of you for capping of this season with outstanding finishes at one of the country's biggest events!
