Middlebury’s O’Keefe Escapes to D2 Collegiate Title at the 2015 National Championships – Updated: Photo Gallery, Full Results

Race winner Samuel O’Keefe (Miidlebury College) on the starting grid. © Brian Nelson

Austin, TX- The Collegiate Men’s D2 race began with Brendan Rhim (Furman University) taking the lead onto the course, but the race was far from decided – in today’s conditions, anything from crashes to mechanicals could happen at any moment. Rhim crashed, giving Sam O’Keefe (Middlebury College) a chance to gain a lead.

Rhim moved into attack mode, leading up a chase group that included many of the podium favorites. Jules Goguely (RISD), Robert Rimmer (King University), and Jack Kisseberth (Tufts University) were all in the fray.

Some local support for the Collegiate riders. © Brian Nelson

“We were all tumbling over each other the first lap or two,” said Kisseberth of the slippery conditions. “On the running sections, I was just sliding everywhere.”

Rhim attacked the chase, fracturing the group, but fell victim to the mud once again. Kisseberth moved from third spot to second following Rhim’s bobble.

Jack Kisseberth attempts to regain feeling in his hands after a strong ride to finish second in the D2 Collegiate 2015 Cyclocross National Championships. © Cyclocross Magazine

O’Keefe kept up his charge, only gaining time as he tackled every tough corner smoothly. “I was running the uphills, since it was faster than crashing,” said O’Keefe, who appeared to have a solid rhythm through the off-camber corners.

O’Keefe running to a near two-minute victory in the D2s. © Cyclocross Magazine

O’Keefe sprinted through the pavement every time, took each corner just right every time, and by the time the race wrapped up had nearly two minutes on second place. Kisseberth held his position, claiming second over Rhim in third.

Andrew Bailey (Milligan College). © Brian Nelson / Cyclocross Magazine

Look forward to a rematch: each of the podium finishers will have a chance to square off again in tomorrow’s U23 Elite Men’s race. Full results below the photo gallery.

Collegiate Men D2 – 2015 Cyclocross National Championships Photo Gallery:

• O’Keefe running to a near two-minute victory in the D2s. © Cyclocross Magazine

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• If the night thunderstorm are any indication, the pits will be a busy place on Sunday. © Brian Nelson

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• File photo from the 2015 Cyclocross National Championships. In 2016, mechanics will compete for a unique title. © Brian Nelson

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• Andrew Bailey (Milligan College). © Brian Nelson / Cyclocross Magazine

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• The only clean wheels in sight. © Brian Nelson

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• Grasping for a course tape handhold. ©

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• Hunter Resek (Mars Hill University). © Brian Nelson

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• Some local support for the Collegiate riders. © Brian Nelson

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• Race winner Samuel O'Keefe (Miidlebury College) on the starting grid. © Brian Nelson

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• Brendan Rhim (Fuhrman University) and Robert Rimmer (King University) chased. © Brian Nelson

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We spoke with winner O’Keefe and second place Kisseberth:

Collegiate Men D2 2015 Results