Cyclocross Nationals Dec 2023 Recap

We wrapped up the season with a trip to Cyclocross Nationals in Louisville, KY.

Cross Nats is always a big event with lots of hard preparation from the riders, training through the fall, chasing points across the country, honing their skills and keeping their fitness high through December. This year, we had Zane Strait and Tyler Morgenson in the 17-18 men and Jack Billowitz in the 15-16’s. With great support from friends and family they all had awesome races. Zane is headed to Belgium next week to do his first Euro race block so we’re wishing him the best as he extends the season just a little longer.

Also, huge congratulations to Zane for being selected to attend the EuroCrossCamp

  • Zane Strait, 18th in 17-18 UCI Junior Men
  • Tyler Morgenson, 37th in 17-18 UCI Junior Men
  • Jack Billowitz, 15th in 15-16 Junior Men

Video and photos below also include some U23 and Elite race highlights where many of our alumni are now competing:

Press Release Text:

Cascadia Junior Cycling
Bill Warburton, Junior Cycling Coach
541.385.7002
info@cogwild.com

Thursday, December 14, 2023

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

BEND JUNIOR CYCLISTS COMPETE AT NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP
ONE RIDER SELECTED TO COMPETE IN BELGIUM

DECEMBER 14, 2023. BEND, OR — Cascadia Junior Cycling traveled with three local high school racers to USA Cycling’s Cyclocross National Championship in Louisville, KY. 

Jack Billowitz competed in the Men 11-18 Non-Championship race on Tuesday, December 5, to familiarize himself with the course and won that event. On Thursday, he had an accident while training that severely damaged a finger, requiring immediate surgery. Despite the broken finger, he was able to race his championship event on Saturday where he finished in a very strong 15th place out of 66 competitors. 

“It was good, the finger hurt, and on the first lap I got a handlebar to the face,” Jack explained, “but I got back going and it was a really good race.” An intense downpour before the start made for challenging conditions. “The mud was great, we were all bumping elbows and hitting bars and everything,” he said, smiling.

Later, Zane Strait and Tyler Morgenson competed in the UCI Junior Men 17-18 event among 68 of the best juniors in the country. Continued heavy rain made conditions worse but Zane and Tyler were well prepared, finishing 18th and 37th, respectively. 

Zane has been selected to travel to Belgium for the rest of December to compete in several races. He has set up a GoFundMe to help defer some of the expense. 

About Cascadia Junior Cycling: we provide recreational, skills-based training and competitive team opportunities for junior cyclists in Bend. CJC is operated by Cog Wild Bicycle Tours, LLC. Info, media, and support Zane at cogwild.com/juniors.

###