Lizzy Gunsalus Impressive Ride to Win 11-12 Junior Women at the 2015 National Championships – Updated: Photo Gallery

The fight for the holeshot in the women’s 11-12 race. © Cyclocross Magazine

Austin, TX- The whole of the United States was well represented at the 11-12 Junior Women Race. Riders from big local Texas teams, including Mellow Johnny’s Cyclocross Team, and Team Super Awesome attempted to get their presence felt. Riders hailed from Oklahoma, North Carolina, the Northwest, Colorado, three states of the Midwest, and the East Coast. It was truly a coast-to-coast battle at a young age.

Lizzy Gunsalus demostrated remakable skills on the slick course, winning the Women’s 11-12 Championship. © Brian Nelson

Sofia Gibiete of Littleton, CO took the holeshot in the 11-12 race, making her mark on the pavement in the two lap race, but it was Lizzy Gunsalus of Dudley, MA who controlled the race once it hit the mud.

The off-camber hills and run-ups proved little challenge to Gunsalus, who found lines to ride everywhere while the field behind her struggled to stay on their feet while they ran. When asked how she was able to handle the rough conditions, she answered: “It helps when you live in New England!”

“Cyclocross is a lot different than mountain biking or other biking,” she said when asked to describe the sport, “A lot of getting off your bike.” She certainly didn’t have to get off her bike much today, though. And that bike? It was a borrowed bike. Gunsalus’ father promised her a new ride if she won the title.

Second place finisher Lauren Zoerner (Alpha Bicycle Co. Vista Subaru) was gracious in her second place. “I really wanted to get first, but I got second, which was till better than I’ve ever done before.”

Junior Women 11-12 – 2015 Cyclocross National Championships Photo Gallery:

• The fight for the holeshot in the women's 11-12 race. © Cyclocross Magazine

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• Lizzy Gunsalus demostrated remakable skills on the slick course, winning the Women's 11-12 Championship. © Brian Nelson

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  Lizzy Gunsalus demostrated remakable skills on the slick course, winning the Women's 11-12 Championship. © Brian Nelson

  

• Regan Long (Lionhearts Junior Cycling Team). © Brian Nelson

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• Every Nationals rider deserves a little attention. © Brian Nelson

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• Team Super Awesome rider Miriam Houston rething her choice in footwear. © Brian Nelson

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  Team Super Awesome rider Miriam Houston rething her choice in footwear. © Brian Nelson

  

• Karen Bennett (Evolution Junior Devo Team) finished just outside the podium in the Junior Women's 11-12 race. © Brian Nelson

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  Karen Bennett (Evolution Junior Devo Team) finished just outside the podium in the Junior Women's 11-12 race. © Brian Nelson

  

• Vin Hludzinski (Boulder Junior Cycling). © Brian Nelson

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• Local hero Piper Pizzo (Bicycle Sport Shop Cyclocros Team) knows Austin weather well. © Brian Nelson

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2015 National Championships, Junior Women 11-12