Legends of the Mud – Abbott, Saling and Schmid Power to Masters 70-74, 75-79, 80+ Titles

by David Mable

Rick Abbott Dominant in Master’s Men 70-74 Title Claim

Rick Abbott used his years of experience to add a fifth national title to his coffers.

Abbott runs away with the 70-74 race. 2017 Cyclocross National Championships, Masters Men 70+. © A. Yee / Cyclocross Magazine

“I started this like 13 years ago,” said Abbott. “Back then I couldn’t even get back on the bike. I finally learned how to remount on my bike and I realized that I was actually a much better runner than road racer.”

After climbing the embankment in second place, Abbott pulled away early in the race and did not look back, taking his fifth victory at a national championship.

Whitney Fanning on his way to second in the Masters 70-74. 2017 Cyclocross National Championships, Masters Men 70+. © A. Yee / Cyclocross Magazine

“I’m much better off getting off early, shouldering my bike, getting it out of the mud and at the other end, I might be two seconds slower, but when I came out of it my heart rate was lower and my bike lighter, so I end up going faster.”

Blackjack at Riverside: Saling Hits 21 Titles in Masters 75-79 Race

Not a fan of mud, Joe Saling kept his wheels turning and ran more than he has in the past 10 years combined to take victory in the Master’s Men 75-79 championship race. Sailing has 21 national titles to his name, on the road, tandem and cyclocross.

Schimd fearless on the flyover. 2017 Cyclocross National Championships, Masters Men 70+. © A. Yee / Cyclocross Magazine

“The latest race is the most memorable, the latest one is the best one” said Saling. “Actually, my most memorable championship was on tandem with my wife Dody in Saint Louis. We got rid of the tandem. I hated racing that, but I love the National Championships.”

Saling keeps his wheels rolling because of his drive to compete.

“I have a competitive spirit,” he said. “I can’t imagine how a professional athlete can reach the end of his career. It must be devastating. I don’t want to do that. I love to compete.”

Schmid Claims Second-Straight Master’s Men 80+Title

Fred Schmid tackled the hills and Connecticut mud to take his second national cyclocross title in the Master’s 80+ division, completing two laps in 44 minutes.

Fred Schmid readies for the 2017 Cyclocross National Championships race, Masters Men 70+. © A. Yee / Cyclocross Magazine

“Well, I told somebody I was just afraid to quit,” said Schmid. “I keep talking about it, but it’s fun. I’m just trying to keep my wheels on the ground and my body in the air.”

Schmid’s wife was in the pit with his spare bike, but he just rode on by, keeping his bike moving, defiantly trudging up the steep grades and through the mud.

Fred Schmid, 84 years young, 2017 Cyclocross National Championships, Masters Men 70+. © A. Yee / Cyclocross Magazine

“What worries me is going downhill,” he said. “I had the brakes on, and I let my brakes go and it made no difference, my wheel just wouldn’t move. I had to clean the mud out.”

At age 83, Schmid keeps motivated by just enjoying riding the bike.

“I just keep riding. I just have fun on my bike.”

Schmid wins his second title in a row. 2017 Cyclocross National Championships, Masters Men 70+. © A. Yee / Cyclocross Magazine

2017 CX National Championships Hartford Day 2 Results Masters Men 70+