I am a huge professional cycling fan and watch cycling every chance I can get. In fact, my latest young adult novel features a cyclist on a junior developmental squad. But back to the blog… Women’s cycling isn’t featured as much as men’s cycling on television, so I was super excited that TourTracker was broadcasting the women’s race at the US Pro Cycling National Championships. On Memorial Day, I tuned in to watch the action go down. And I was not disappointed.
I witnessed history when Alison Powers of the UnitedHealthcare’s Pro Cycling Team became the first woman, errr first US professional cyclist EVER (man or woman) to hold three
national US Cycling titles simultaneously. For you non-cycling fans – there are three road cycling disciplines:
- Criterium (Crit) – short loop course
- Time Trial (TT) – race against the clock
Road Race (RR) – think Tour de France
- On Monday, Alison achieved the historic “triple crown” of US Cycling, when she claimed the US Road Racing title. This is in addition to Saturday’s US Time Trial title and last summer’s US Criterium title.
- The road race was thrilling to watch (thanks again TourTracker!) and Alison was the epitome of a humble champion. She accepted her title and a new VW GTI for the win. And then announced, “This is Jackie Crowell’s car because she’s such an amazing teammate and she’s not able to be here with us. Jackie, thanks for being awesome; we miss you.”
- You can follow Alison on Twitter or like her on FB. And be sure to cheer her on as she defends her Crit title at the National Championships in High Point, NC this September. Good luck Alison!!
- P.S. Jackie Crowell is one of Alison’s UHC teammates, who was diagnosed with stage 4 brain cancer last year while in training for a spot on the 2016 Olympic Team. Check out Jackie’s motivational speech about how she calls her battle with cancer her Tour de France. You’ll need some tissues. #CancerSucks
Photo By Doug Shaw from Carshalton, United Kingdom (Lizzie ArmitsteadUploaded by Qwfp) [CC-BY-SA-2.0], via Wikimedia Commons
