Portlander Wendy Williams repeats as cyclocross National Champion

Portland resident and River City Bicycles employee Wendy Williams celebrated a hard-fought victory at the USA Cycling Cyclocross National Championships in Bend yesterday. BikePortland contributing photographer David Haines was there and snapped this podium shot…

Wendy Williams, Masters women 40-44 National Cyclocross Champion.
(Photos: David Haines)

According to USA Cycling, Williams’ race — which had a field of about 50 riders — was one of the most exciting of the day:

“The 40-44 women’s contest provided one of the most exciting finishes of the day with reigning 35-39 national champion Wendy Williams (Portland, Ore./River City Bicycles) sling-shotting to the line to take the national title from Gina Hall (Orinda, Calif./Cal Giant Cycling). After a chaotic first lap, the pair of ladies were able to separate themselves by nearly three minutes from third-place finisher Katrina Dowidchuk (Wilmington, Del.). A powerful sprinter, Williams surged to victory once she hit the pavement.”

An elated Williams rolls across the line.

The victory must have been sweet for Williams, who won the national championship race in 2008 but suffered a last minute crash in 2009 that cost her the top podium spot. This caps a dream season for Williams, who also won the Elite Women’s title at the Cross Crusade Series.

Read more about Williams’ championship ride and see photos at CX Magazine and Oregon Cycling Action.

The National Championships began earlier this week in Bend and the racing and events go on through the weekend.