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Full 2016 USA Cycling Cyclocross National Championship coverage can be found right here.

The age group race reports are brought to you in part by Verge Sport.

#CXNats race reports from Wed-Saturday are brought to you in part by Verge Sport.

ASHEVILLE, North Carolina—Thursday's racing kicked off with the Master Women's 30-34 race. All eyes were on Jenna Blandford (VO2) last year's second place finisher, 2015 bronze medalist Leslie Timm and Avanell Schmitz (Mermaid Winery) as the sun started to fully rise.

With breath visible from the effort in the cold air and a fierce look of determination, Blandford was the first off the line and around the course's first turn and seemed set about taking one more step on the podium this year.

But it wasn't to be.

Melinda McCutcheon on her way to the win in the Masters Women 30-34, 2016 Cyclocross National Championships. © Cyclocross Magazine

Melinda McCutcheon on her way to the win in the Masters Women 30-34, 2016 Cyclocross National Championships. © Cyclocross Magazine

Coming from a second to last call-up, Melinda McCutcheon (Canyon Bicycles-Shimano) took the race by the horns before the first pass through the barn and the climb up Ingles Heckle Hill and never looked back. Putting in a first lap time of 9:01, she kept the gas on putting in consistently quick laps and took the title, her first win and second time on the podium, having finished fourth in Boulder two years ago.

The race behind McCutcheon was on as Blandford held second despite a charge from Schmitz and Stacy Kalemkiarian (Power Fix CX). The later two seemed to be working together at the race's half way point, but Schmitz set out on her own at one to go in pursuit of Blandford. It wasn't enough in the end though for any of the race's chasers.

In the end, with the title secured by McCutcheon with her blistering, steady laps, it was Blandford who held on for her second second-place finish in as many years, with Schmitz taking third.

https://youtu.be/w23PaO-_OXA

2016 USA Cycling Cyclocross National Championships Women's 30-34 Full Results

PlNameTeamTime
1Melinda MCCUTCHEONCanyon Bicycles-Shimano36:19.
2Jenna BLANDFORDVO238:04.
3Avanell SCHMITZMermaid Winery38:16.
4Stacy KALEMKIARIANPower Fix CX38:45.
5Leslie TIMM39:30.
6Amanda SCHAAPSpeed Merchants40:41.
7Melissa PRESNELLSEAVS/Haymarket41:17.
8Philicia MARION41:38.
9Amanda SCHAPERGiro Sport Design41:55.
10Brittany MONTGOMERYSorella Cycling p/b Hincapie Sp43:13.
11Rebecca LEWANDOWSKIRare Disease Cycling44:22.
12Jenna DOWNEYSorella Cycling p/b Hincapie Sp44:53.
13Marayah DEESEPortland Bicycle Studio45:17.
14Erin STONE45:41.
15Ali WHITTIERPrivateer Cyclocross Chattanoog45:50.
16Christy QUIRKSpokesWomen Syndicate48:19.
17Jacqueline MCCLURE36:20.
18Jenna LATOURNICHOLSRutgers University-New Brunswic36:35.
19Vicky PABONSugar Cycles/Wholesome Sweetene36:50.
20Cambrie EPPERSONSorella Cycling p/b Hincapie Sp17:00.

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Stay up-to-date on every 2016 USA Cycling National Championship race this week and other Nationals news from Asheville, North Carolina, right here.

2016 Women's Masters 30-34 Cyclocross National Championship Photo Gallery

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Melinda McCutcheon drops in. © R. Riott / Cyclocross Magazine

Melinda McCutcheon drops in. © R. Riott / Cyclocross Magazine

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