It’s here! USA Cycling Junior, U23 & Elite Road Nationals

0 Comments 21 June 2010Print This Post

Is there anything better than watching Mt. Hood stand majestic and aglow in your rearview mirror as you head down 97 from Portland to Bend?

Yes.

Getting to Bend and photographing 10-year-old girls duking it out for a national championship. Which is exactly what I’ll be doing tomorrow morning.

Last year the media outlets I was working for weren’t interested in “the kids”, so I spent that time prepping articles and getting interviews done because the pace was hectic and there was never enough time. This year, I’m shooting for USAC and the US Olympic Committee (paralympics) and they do happen to care about getting photographs of “those kids” and everyone else who shows up for the national Battle Royale that will take over Bend, Oregon for the next 6 days.

So it’s going to be a snap-happy week full of long days and lots of gold medals and I’m stoked to see the next generation of little racers go for the glory. I’ll be on hand for all the drama so I can report back with (mostly) images and maybe a few words.

Get the scoop on what’s in store from this USAC preview article and don’t miss our own Pat Malach’s piece in the Oregonian Sports section about Jacob Rathe and Ian Boswell. Pat will be on hand providing more great coverage for the Oregonian as we move into the elite races later this week. And, as always, be sure to keep an eye on his blog.

A general roundup of men and women to watch can be found here.

Download the complete schedule from USAC (pdf) or check out Visit Bend’s Guide to Road Nationals (pdf).

Wanna know what happened last year? Check the 2009 Results.

Whatever you do, plan a little excursion and get thee to Bend! The crits on Friday are not to be missed and the elite road races on Sunday are sure to be full of fireworks. Bring a lawn chair and camp out along the long climb up Archie Briggs Road for maximum effect.

See you there!