18-year-old Canadian rider Isabella Holmgren claimed victory in the UCI C2 Kings CX event, part of the Cincinnati Cyclocross Festival held in Mason, Ohio. Just a day prior, Holmgren had been out-sprinted by Clara Honsinger, settling for a second-place finish. But roles reversed dramatically on the event’s second day, with Holmgren pulling off an impressive feat by putting a considerable 1 minute and 30 seconds between her and Honsinger. Lizzy Gunsalus trailed even further behind, finishing third with a 1-minute 45-second gap from the leader.
Holmgren, who rides for Stimulus Orbea, is no stranger to the cyclocross podium. The reigning junior CX World Champion and soon-to-be Lidl-Trek rider on the road had already notched a C2 win in last year’s Bear Crossing Grand Prix. Her twin sister, Ava, also a formidable talent in cyclocross, secured sixth place in the same event.
This win also marked Holmgren’s first of the 2023-2024 season and helped to augment an already glowing list of accolades. Earlier in the year, she had won the junior world title in cyclocross in Hoogerheide, Netherlands, and took the U19 world title in mountain biking.
Meanwhile, in the men’s race, US national champion Curtis White repeated his victory, stamping his authority on the course by crossing the finish line 19 seconds ahead of Scott Funston. The race unfolded on a 2.8km track at Kingswood Park, complete with off-camber turns, a sand pit, and undulating terrain. It was the final event of a weekend that proved to be a showcase for emerging talents in the world of cyclocross in America.
2023 King’s CX II Women result
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2023 King’s CX II Men result
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Main photo credit: Bill Schieken CXHAIRS Media
