2012 UCI Masters Cyclocross World Championships – Men 60-64/65-69/70-74/75+: UPDATED Photos, Report, Results

John Elgart after the barrier section during the first lap of the Mens 65-69 race. ©Steve Anderson

For full coverage, schedules and information on the 2012 UCI Master’s Cyclocross World Championships in Louisville, Kentucky visit our 2012 Masters Cyclocross World Championships homepage.

by Grant Berry

LOUISVILLE, KENTUCKY — Dan Norton (USA) was able to get the better of his field, as he lead them out on to the course with an impressive holeshot. He was trailed by Joseph Brown (USA) and Larry Yancey (USA). By the end of the first lap, Norton had stretched his lead to 10 seconds.

“This is the most technical course I have ever ridden. The ice and the frozen ruts combined with the slowly melting mud made it a real test out there. Tires and tire pressure were key; I had Challenge Limus’ on my A bike and they were a huge advantage for me out there,” Norton explained.

One lap later, Brown had moved himself up to Norton’s wheel and the battle was on. Greg Pautsch (USA) was also in the hunt, and fought to make contact with the front of the bike race. Half a lap later he would do that, and actually grabbed the lead briefly. Norton was having none of it, as he passed Pautsch back immediately and dug deep to try and create a separation. While they were battling back and forth, Fred Wittwer (USA) had made his way through the field and was now in contention for the win.

With a lap to go Norton, who is a ski patroller in the winter back in Seattle, was able to use his technical skills and open up a gap that would stick to the finish line.

“Once I took the lead on the last lap, I just tried to ride my lines and not hit the ground. It worked out.”

Victor Barnett (GBR) was in a battle with John Elgart (USA) and Lewis Rollins (USA) in the 65-69 race. As he saw two laps to go, he was comfortably in the lead. Barnett would hold on for the win and had this to say:

“It was great out there. The conditions took some getting used to, but I got a handle on it. I was riding with the other guy, and he had a slip up in the woods, and that is where I got my gap. I then rode two laps solo and held on. I am already excited to come back and defend my title next year!”

John Ginley (GBR) made a late race move to ride in for victory in the 70-74 race.

Rider diaries, videos, photos, reports and all things veldrijden will be pouring in this weekend for the  2012 UCI Master’s Cyclocross World Championships in Louisville, Kentucky. To see them all, visit our 2012 Masters Cyclocross World Championships homepage.

Steve Anderson Gallery:

Brian Nelson Gallery:

Full Results:

60-64:

2012 UCI Masters Cyclocross World Championships: Men 60-64 Results

65-69:

2012 UCI Masters Cyclocross World Championships: Men 65-69 Results

2012 UCI Masters Cyclocross World Championships: Men 75+ Results