Doug Richards first in state in cyclocross

Doug Richards' cyclocross skills took him to first place in Colorado in the 60+ men's division on Nov. 24 and then on to the USA Cycling Cyclocross National Championships in Washington State where he finished 20th in his division. After riding cyclocross for almost 10 years, he attributed his success this season to having worked with Coach John Mansell, who added structure to Richards' training.

Richards competes as a member of the Blue Sky Velo Team and raced more than 20 times this season. "There were a lot of podiums and it was some place I've never dreamed I might have been, but it's been a really awesome season," Richards said on his drive home from Lakewood, WA where the national races were held on Dec. 11.

Each race takes roughly 40 minutes on courses requiring riders to use both technical and cardio abilities to navigate a variety of surfaces, terrains, and obstacles.

"It was the most grueling course," Richards said of the national race. "It was more intense than anything I've raced all year, it was just crazy."