AMBC Nationals Success for KSP athletes
Scott Henry adds another title to his 2009 season
3.5 inches of rain made the AMBC nationals in Ruston, La a challenge for all racers. KSP athletes fared well, however, with excellent reports posted.
Scott Henry continued his outstanding season with a victory in the Cross Country on Sunday, which also netted him the Omnium victory. After placing second in the Time Trial and the Short Track, Scott stated that he needed to turn it on for Sunday's XC race. He had some problems with his drivetrain owing to the mud, but overcame the problems and managed to take the win.
Chris Campbell, competing in the men's 40-49 Cat 1 race category reported the "best race of his life." With .8 miles to go, Campbell's drive train gave out, costing Campbell his top 5 position. He ran the bike in and was absolutely thrilled with his day, "the mud/muck finally overcame my drivetrain. I ran the last .8 miles. Bummer but a huge boost to my confidence and an endorsement of Sara Krause."
Carla Jennings, women's 40+ cat 2 racer said it was a tough race. Jennings posted the 2nd best time trial in her category on Saturday and fought her way through the mud on Sunday. "My legs just hurt," Jennings said. Despite the mud, Carla was able to pull off another 2nd place finish and take 2nd in the Omnium.
One of KSP's most consistent performers, John Howell, raced the men's cat 1 60+ category and proved his continued ability to improve. Howell posted a strong 3rd place finish in the short track, and went 4th in both the Time Trial and Cross Country. The Cross Country race had John in striking distance of 3rd, and though his drivetrain didn't suffer the same fate as Campbell's, he had to nurse it through the last mile of the course.
Fred Willemson, new to the men's 40-49 cat 1 ranks turned in solid performances across the board. Willemson, who has worked his way through the ranks, is proving to be a talented competitor with a huge capacity for improvement. KSP says to keep your eye on this one as he improves fitness and race savvy!
KSP would also like to note that Ruston saw the return of Taylor Abbey, who took a 1.5 year hiatus from racing due to work commitments. Abbey, who previously was a top 10 finisher at the 2008 Bump N' Grind, showed how little he has lost as he snatched up an 8th place in Cross-Country. Welcome back, Taylor (and everyone else, keep your eye on this one, too!)
Congratulations to everyone for their outstanding finishes!