California's 2019/20 cyclocross season got an early start at the West Coast Cyclocross Points Prestige held near Sacramento last weekend, August 16-18. The series was designed by Clipped In Races to provide an opportunity for West Coast riders to compete for USAC ranking points and get an early start on their cyclocross racing.
The series recruited a number of Elites to lend their starpower—and quality USAC rankings—to the fields, and a number of West Coasters joined for the weekend. Some of those riders included Caroline Nolan (Voler / Easton / HRS / Rock Lobster), Caitlin Bernstein (Velocio/ Easton/ McGovern Cycles), Anna Megale (Trek CXC), Amanda Nauman (SDG - Muscle Monster), Sophie Russenberger (Team S&M CX) and Max Judelson (Voler/Clif/Rock Lobster).
Caroline Nolan, Caitlin Bernstein and Anna Megale (partially hidden) went 1,2,3 in the overall for the weekend. 2019 West Coast Cyclocross Points Prestige. © Jeff Vander Stucken
With five races used in calculating USAC rankings, the WCCPP offered five races spread across Friday, Saturday and Sunday. Racing started on Friday night and then continued with two races on each of Saturday and Sunday, with categories split into Cat 1/2/3 and Cat 4/5 for women and men.
The stars of the weekend in the Cat 1/2/3 races were Nolan and Judelson, with the duo combining to win 9 of the 10 races. Judelson went 5 for 5 and Nolan won 4 of her 5 races, with Bernstein getting the win in Race 2 Saturday morning.
Series results are at the bottom of this post. Stay tuned for race reports and quotes coming soon.
Photographer Jeff Vander Stucken was at Gibson Ranch Park and submitted the gallery of photos below. For more photos from Vander Stucken from the weekend, visit his website.
Photo Gallery: 2019 West Coast Cyclocross Points Prestige
A junior rider looking fast as he rolls past the pits. 2019 West Coast Cyclocross Points Prestige. © Jeff Vander Stucken
