Clara Honsinger of Team S&M CX triumphed to claim her fourth elite US national cyclocross championship title in Louisville, Kentucky. The race commenced with Katie Clouse of the Steve Tilford Foundation taking an early lead, but a stumble on the steps allowed Honsinger to overtake. Honsinger then maintained a steady lead, finishing 29 seconds ahead of Clouse.
Raylyn Nuss, also from the Steve Tilford team, earned the bronze medal, finishing 1:48 behind Honsinger. Reflecting on her victory, Honsinger remarked on the significant pressure she faced in securing her fourth title, having first claimed the elite title in 2019 and ending Katie Compton’s 15-year winning streak. Since then, she has consistently been a leading figure in American cyclocross, with consecutive wins in 2021 and 2022 following the 2020 championship’s cancellation due to the pandemic.
Honsinger, who has returned to college to complete her degree, spoke about her journey back to her old club team and her recent achievements, including wins in Ohio and Montana and a second place at the Pan American Championships. Her victory in Louisville was tinged with personal sadness due to a bereavement in her family, which impacted her preparation. Despite this, the support of her team was instrumental in her success.
The 26-year-old cyclocross racer plans to compete in Europe leading up to the World Championships.
