National Championships Masters Men: Norton Destroys; Elgart, Nordenson, Axthelm Rack Up Wins – Full Results, Brief Reports

Dan Norton wins the 60+ title again in dominant fashion. Cyclocross Nationals Day 2 © Janet Hill

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BEND, ORE. – The Masters men and women kicked off the first day of Championship races this morning, with the male 60-64, 65-69 and 70+ races all on the course to get things started, with one-minute gaps between groups. Dan Norton (Puget Sound Cycling Club) took the first National Championship win of the week, adding to an ever-growing closet full of titles. Fred Wittwer (Alan North America Cycling) of Charlottesville, VA., gave chase and kept things close, but could never quite close to Norton, eventually finishing in second.

Like last year, Norton was quick to credit 15-16 reigning national champ Logan Owen for helping him to figure out the course and his approach to the terrain. But this could be the last cyclocross stars n’ stripes jersey. “This may be my last Nationals ever, I’m not a fan of Nationals in January,” Norton told Cyclocross Magazine. “Masters like to take the holidays off, and I have a house in Utah and like to go skiing.”  Contrary to that sentiment, however, Norton did also say that he’s still considering Louisville.

In the 65-69 men’s race, John Elgart (Alto Velo Racing Club) took the win, his 21st national title and fourth-ever cyclocross National Championship. Former Masters champ James Wagner would make things interesting, but eventually ceded 33 seconds and finished in second.

Erik Nordenson of Moab, UT., won the 70-74 men’s category, passing Walt Axthelm (Durango Wheel Club) late in the race. Last year Nordenson finished second behind Joe Saling, and Nordenson told Cyclocross Magazine that he thinks Saling may have hung up the ’cross bike for good.”I would’ve like to have raced against Saling today, but at some age you gotta give it up. I think Madison may be my last Nationals,” he said.

Axthelm repeated as the 75+ champion, and he doesn’t look likely to be quitting any time soon. He lined up and raced with the 70+ group, and would have been on the podium in that group as well. In fact he was off the front until a botched remount resulted in his saddle separating from the rails. Half a lap later he made a visit to the pits and continued his title-winning ride.

Full reports and quotes coming soon!

Photo Gallery:

Full Results:

Masters Men 75+

Masters Men 70-74

Masters Men 65-69

Masters Men 60-64