Nikki Thiemann had the best finish line celebration of the day, winning the Masters 35-39 race. © Cyclocross Magazine
Austin, TX- Nikki Thiemann (Rare Disease Cycling) was a strong favorite heading into today’s 35-39 women’s race, and she did not disappoint. Thiemann turned the hole shot into a commanding lead, riding smoothly through the challenging and slippery off-cambers.
With overnight rain layering the course with slick mud, racing successfully today required a fine balance of both riding hard and staying cautious – and Thiemann looked like she had the power and skills to do the job.
Climbing the Texas Limestone. © Brian Nelson
Kristen Kelsey (Axiom HVAC-Voler), Rebecca Blatt (Van Dessel Factory Team), and Emily Reynolds (Ladies First) took on the task of chasing Thiemann. Blatt and Kelsey worked together to reel in the leader after Reynolds fell back, but it was Blatt who charged her way into second and began gaining time on Thiemann.
Erin Holmes (Gus Cycling) enjoying the conditions. © Brian Nelson
With one to go, Blatt had whittled away some of Thiemann’s lead, but there wasn’t enough time left in the race to undo the damage Thiemann had done. Nikki Thiemann claimed a well-deserved victory, with Blatt finishing second and Kelsey third.
“I’ve tried to win a master’s race four or five years in a row and blown it,” said a happy Thiemann. “This is really icing on the cake of a crazy season.”
More from Thiemann here:
2015 National Championships, Masters Women 35-39
| Place | Bib | Last | First | Team | License | City ST | Time | Gap |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 54 | THIEMANN | Nicole | Rare Disease Cycling | 213558 | Philadelphia PA | 46:59 | |
| 2 | 33 | BLATT | Rebecca | Van Dessel Factory Team | 241201 | Lakewood CO | 47:21 | 22 |
| 3 | 45 | KELSEY | Kristen | 269835 | Woodinville WA | 47:53 | 54 | |
| 4 | 46 | KONCZ | Natalie | Nemesis Racing | 187206 | Spokane WA | 48:31 | 1:32 |
| 5 | 51 | REYNOLDS | Emily | 342992 | Medford MA | 48:33 | 1:34 | |
| 6 | 50 | PARK | Jenny | Squadra Di Servitori | 188342 | San Antonio TX | 49:26 | 2:27 |
| 7 | 35 | CASE | Jessica | Evol Elite Racing | 364423 | Niwot CO | 49:34 | 2:35 |
| 8 | 48 | MARSHALL | Brianne | Tough Girl Cycling | 287045 | Durango CO | 49:42 | 2:43 |
| 9 | 40 | GILL | Jessica | 457091 | Happy Valley OR | 51:21 | 4:22 | |
| 10 | 36 | CHASE | Melody | Gus Cycling | 215433 | Portsmouth NH | 51:22 | 4:23 |
| 11 | 43 | HOLMES | Erin | Gus Cycling | 387994 | Exeter NH | 51:56 | 4:57 |
| 12 | 34 | CARTER | Melanie | SEAVS/Haymarket | 416234 | College Park MD | 52:47 | 5:48 |
| 13 | 52 | STEVENS | Angelina | Champion System/DCX | 223755 | Chapel Hill NC | 53:10 | 6:11 |
| 14 | 39 | ETHERTON | Melanie | Team Cycle Progression | 271764 | Austin TX | 53:16 | 6:17 |
| 15 | 32 | BEARD | April | Brazen Dropouts Cycling Team | 334352 | Cottage Grove WI | 53:35 | 6:36 |
| 16 | 41 | HARTMAN | Lisa | Sugar Cycles/Wholesome Sweetene | 217745 | Houston TX | @1Lap | |
| 17 | 53 | THACKERAY | Chantel | DNA Cycling 801 | 249124 | Murray City UT | @1Lap | |
| 18 | 31 | ARCHER | Megan | Cycle-Smart Grassroots Team | 387488 | Asheville NC | @1Lap | |
| 19 | 47 | LOLICH | Erin | 457202 | Portland OR | @1Lap | ||
| 20 | 56 | WATKINS | Faith | 360970 | Austin TX | @1Lap | ||
| 21 | 49 | MILLS | Carollynn | 320308 | Massapequa NY | @2Laps | ||
| 22 | 44 | HORN | Jillian | Sugar Cycles/Wholesome Sweetene | 289045 | Houston TX | @3Laps | |
| DNS | 37 | COLLINS | Lindsey | 251804 | San Francisco CA | |||
| DNS | 42 | HOLLINGSWORTH | Beth | Velocity Pro Cycle | 295701 | Northport AL | ||
| DNS | 55 | THOMPSON | Andie | Birmingham Velo | 416881 | Birmingham AL |
