There was frost on the grass in Utah County as racers drove through the 32 degree morning chill toward Draper. Temperatures were 12 degrees higher at Corner Canyon as a mob of cyclocross racers registered for the first UtCX event of 2013. By race time for the first wave at 9:30, temperatures were reaching the upper 40s in brilliant sunshine. It was a great day for cross.

Photo: Tail end of the first group, as 14 Masters 55-plus riders sprint away from the start line.

From the pavement, the course ran down to the horse arena where riders fishtailed through deep sand. A barrier made the path uphill a run-up back to the parking area. From there, riders zipped around the pavement to drop off the hill on singletrack, then climb back up steeply on pavement. After following singletrack west, the course dropped back east into the oak brush, then ran north of the pond. Westbound to the railroad tracks! Now back uphill along the ridge singletrack (and gazillions of goathead thorns), interrupted by a two-barrier detour.

Photo: A few of the UMB first-wave riders after their race.

Next race report:

[ Fort Buenaventura, Oct 5 ]

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