The competitors at Magnuson Park Cross 2016 did not seem disappointed that #stormpocalypse2016 failed to deliver the goods. Enough rain had fallen to make conditions challenging and fun, and everyone was covered in mud to prove it.
Competitors and spectators alike were smiling, although the competitors’ faces did show concentration, strain, and misery on specific sections of route around Magnuson Park.
Although relatively flat, the course had a short, sharp mud bump in the southwest corner that forced most riders to dismount and slog though the muck to the top. Here, riders got cheered and heckled as they entered the muddy sector, and if they could pedal to the top of the hill the crowd erupted in appreciation. Most folks had to dismount, but the stronger riders and some of the pros made it look almost effortless.
Event organizers Zac Daab and Terry Buchanan have made a diligent effort of making the series as inclusive as possible, and that was most evident during the 1:15 PM race for beginning women and juniors as young as 8. The muddy bump looked formidable for the kids who were barely waist high. Later in the course there was a long gradual uphill that must have felt like torture to them as well.
The next race in the MFG Series is North 40 CX in Tacoma on October 30.
Results for Magnuson Park Cross 2016
Flickr Album of the 12:05pm Cat 1/2 Men & Women + the 1:15 Beginner and Junior Races
