Huge congrats to Dani for winning US Cyclocross National Championship in the 30-34 age group category. With a dominating performance, Dani led the charge from the start and rode off the front of the main field along with several other riders. After a tactical battle and slick, muddy conditions, Dani powered through the final lap to take a decisive win. “The course was just fast enough that tactics were important,” Dani explained after the race to USA Cycling’s live online coverage. “You’ve got to go really, really hard up on the inclines and on the false flats on top. But really it was all a matter of working with the people you were riding with to see what they’re up to.” With nationals being hosted in Lakewood, Washington, which is just outside of Tacoma and not far from Seattle, Dani knew the conditions would call for mud. The course has a solid mix of technical features, power sections, and some serious run-ups that will certainly do their damage to the legs. Dani had a blast slipping and sliding through the conditions, calling it “Olive-Oily” slick out there. Also, when asked what nickname she’d give to the course, she dubbed it SLICK RICK. Big thanks to the Tenspeed Hero Bitchstix team sponsors for supporting our squad this season and making this national championship title possible. With the right equipment, Dani made easy work of these tricky conditions, here’s what she used. Firefly Cross Bike – Despite the muddy conditions, Dani didn’t need to pit or exchange bikes. Her Firefly A bike crushed the course with its aggressive race geometry and ample mud clearance. Shimano GRX Component – The awesome ergonomics of the GRX shift and brake levers helped massively with control in the slick conditions. Dani ran a 1x11 drivetrain setup with a 40-tooth front chainring and 11-34-tooth cassette. Donnelly PDX Tires – PDX Mud tires have been the choice tire of our team all year and they did not disappoint in the muddy conditions in Washington. Stages Power Meter and Dash – We’re data nerds and love measuring progress with power. While Dani wasn’t watching her power during the race, she certainly put it to good use in warm-up, making sure she was ready to fly off the start line and hold the lead to the end. Another big thanks to Tenspeed Hero, Bitchstix, and Clif Bar for their tremendous support for the Bitchn Grit squad. We are proud to partner with such meaningful and super supportive companies and ecstatic to share our successes with them. Dani comes to nationals after a hugely successful 2019 season of cross racing. She’s earned numerous top 10 finishes at UCI races across the country and arrived in Washington ready to cap off the season with some exceptional racing. After recovering and celebrating from her win today, Dani will be back in action on Sunday, lining up to race the country’s fastest women in the UCI National Championship race. Tune in to bike.Shimano.com to watch live coverage of the race and cheer Dani and Emily on as they tackle Slick Rick in the pro race.
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September 2022
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