Morrissey takes 7th at cyclo-cross Nationals

Rosemary Morrissey is looking forward to getting back on her mountain bike this summer to get back in training for cyclo-cross competition. Morrissey, a sophomore at Niwot High School, finished seventh at USA Cycling Nationals in Hartford, CN, January 8th in the Women’s Junior 15-16 division, after winning the Colorado state title.

Cyclo-cross combines cross-country running with biking, Morrissey explained, comparing it to a steeplechase. “The races usually last 40 minutes,” she said. “You have to go over obstacles.” The obstacles can be 100-feet long, such as going up the side of a hill that’s too steep to ride. “There are barriers such as wooden planks one and one-half feet tall, and stairs. You have to get off and carry your bike by putting your shoulder through the frame.”

“My goal was to finish in the top 10,” Morrissey explained. “I had a really good start, but I messed up early on. I dropped to 12th but fought back to take seventh.” Morrissey explained that she tripped and fell during a big run up a side hill.

“My dad raced cyclo-cross when he was my age in Connecticut,” Morrissey said. “He still competes.” She participates in Boulder Junior Cycling, which has a cyclo-cross program. “We had 150 kids, 21 at Nationals,” she said.

Competition begins again next August. Morrissey earned a sponsorship based on her performance last season. She will ride for Custom Luxe, a bicycle wheel company, which will provide three sets of carbon fiber wheels for her next summer. “I’ll write some blogs for them,” she said.