Race Report by Jacqueline Denny

Podium Presentation: Team Kenda Women Addy Albershardt (left) and Jacqueline Denny (center) {Photo by Heidi Swift}

During the week of  June 22 to 27, I traveled to Bend, Oregon to race in the U.S.A. Cycling Elite/U23/Juniors Road National Championships. This was my target race of the year, and the race I looked forward to the most. I have spent many hours training and dreaming about this race. We arrived in Bend a few days before the first race to ride the courses again. I had done this race last year so I had a general idea of what I was getting into.

Road Race/Criterium (Women 15 to 16): The road race and criterium were a disappointment for me. I entered the races pumped up to race, but my body was physically off its game. I am not sure what exactly was the issue, altitude could have played a role due to the symptoms I had. I knew that this performance was not my usual, so I decided not to let them get me down. Races like that only make you stronger and make you desire the win even more.

Time trial (Women 15 to 16): I really love this time trial course. I mentally went into the race telling myself, “it’s a brand new day anything can happen”. I was focused and I was really feeling better than I had felt the other two days. I had the last start time from my group, so I had good competition as carrots in front of me. I began the race and I realized I was finally feeling like my normal self. I could breathe a lot better, and my body was responding the way it normally has. I pushed the course to my limits and rode the best I could. I had caught some riders which really spurred me on. I flew down the course on the way back and was really excited with how I was racing. I crossed the line and the announcer said I was in first. Since I was last to start I knew I had won. The feeling is indescribable and I am so blessed to be called National Champion against such a strong field of junior women. Later that night we had the podium presentation where I was able to share it with my teammate Addy Albershardt which made it even better. Earning the Stars and Stripes jersey was unbelievable and a great finish to an unforgettable U.S.A. Cycling Elite/U23/Juniors Road National Championships.

The U.S.A. Cycling Elite/U23/Juniors Road National Championships was a ton of fun. It’s the one of the only times during the year that I get to see my friends from all over the country. I definitely made friendships that will last a lifetime. After floating the river with friends on a blow up turtle raft, going shopping, and cheering on my friends in the other races; I knew this was one of the best times of my life. I will never forget the time spent in Bend, Oregon and with my win I look forward to what the future brings. Hopefully it brings me to Europe and jump starts my career in cycling. I can’t wait for next year and I am really motivated for this year’s training. It is definitely worth it!