The 2022 US Cyclocross Nationals in Hartford Connicot came to a crescendo Sunday as the snow began to fall right before the Elite Men race. Eric Brunner (Blue Cycles p/b Build) looked to defend his National Champs jersey against a talented field of riders and ever-changing course conditions. Brunners’ most immediate threat was Curtis White (Steve Tilford Foundation), and White was laser-focused on a National Championship.
As the race began, it was apparent White and Brunner would be locked in a head-to-head battle. L39ION of Los Angeles Lance Hadet lead the Elite Men through the snow and slick mud, driving the pace and creating a selection immediately. The front group consisted of Lance Hadet, Scott Funston (Blue Cycles p/b Build), Eric Brunner, and Curtis White.
As the laps ticked away and the unpredictable conditions claimed riders, Brunner and White found themselves alone at the front. Each had a plan of action to execute for the day. Brunner is a powerful rider, and the wide open sections were perfect for him to turn the screws on White. As for White, technical skills and supreme technique would be his card to play with the ever-changing conditions.
With four laps to go, Brunner attacked, gapping White and going clear, pushing the pace. White pursued, staying patient to avoid making mistakes out of urgency.
With two laps to go, after the pit one, Brunner bobbled, washing his front wheel out over the slick ruts, landing him on the ground. White pounced on the opportunity, closing the gap to Brunner within a minute of the crash.
It was evident Brunner’s confidence was shaken, and White took to the front to push the pace. With one to go, the evenly matched pair crossed the start straight mere seconds in front of each other. Over the next nine minutes, the pair stayed no less than six seconds from each other, waiting for the other to misstep.
In the last quarter lap, White rode assertively, not taking chances but keeping the power on. Brunner only managed to make contact slightly on the pavement before White pulled away again. In the end, White held off Brunner, taking his first Elite Men’s US National Championship to a welcoming hometown crowd.
USA Cycling caught the emotional moment in the video below.
White rides a Trek Boone; the Steve Tilford Foundation Racing (STF) team made the switch for the 2022-2023 season from Specialized. The team rides full SRAM assortment equipment except for Shimano XTR pedals.
White opted for the Challenge Limus tires for the race, paired with Zipp 303 tubular wheels. Most of the STF team opted for a 10-36T wide-range SRAM 12-speed cassette, and Whites was paired to a 44T front chainring.
The unique sea foam green Trek Boone is a custom color you’ll only see under the riders from the STF team. Same with unique PAS Normal Studios custom kits.
If you want to hear what it was like behind the scenes leading up to Curtis White, check out Ellen Noble and Steven Hyde’s conversion with the newly crowned champ on Ellens’s new Podcast, This One’s For You.
Frame: Trek Boone
Wheels: Zipp 303 Firecrest Tubular
Cockpit: Zipp
Saddle: Bontrager Arvada
Shifters: SRAM Red Etap
Pedals: Shimano XTR
Tires: Challenge Limus 33
Bike Wash: Muc-Off
You can rewatch the action on FLO-BIKES here.
