Karen Brems Wins the 2012 UCI Masters Cyclocross World Championships – Women 50-54: UPDATED Photos, Report, Results

The women’s 50-54 start. ©Brian Nelson

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 — The third day and final day of the 2012 Masters Cyclocross World Championships got underway early on Sunday, as racers were greeted to blue bird skies, and warmer temperatures. The course at Eva Bandman Park had been coated with a thin layer of snow overnight, as once again the deep mud and ruts from Saturday’s races were momentarily frozen as the first age group took the start.

Former Olympian and World Time Trial Champion Karen Brems (USA) quickly established herself as the woman to beat, and showed her confidence and skill on the slippery and icy course by going to the front early.

“It was frozen, but the ruts weren’t as bad as previous days, so it was manageable for me. I am used to racing in 70 degree sunshine, so this is a new one for me!” Brems explained.

By the end of the second lap, Brems had a two minute gap on the rest of her competition, as Kris Walker (USA) and Ruth Sherman (USA) worked to limit their time losses and also battled for the other two steps of the podium.

Brems would hold on to her lead, and add another World Championship jersey and medal to her trophy case.

“Once I had the gap, I just tried to stay upright and not make any mistakes. I am excited to win this jersey,” beamed Brems.

Walker and Herman would hold on their respective places, and finished second and third.

“It was pretty fun, and slippery. I just needed more power! Karen rode away from us at the beginning. I didn’t have the best start, but I am happy with my race,” said Walker.

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.

Photos — Brian Nelson

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