SRAM, Zipp and Avid equipped Katie Compton (USA – left) takes second at the Cyclocross World Championships in St Wendel, Germany (Watson)
She will tell you she came here for gold, most believed it was her destiny, but Compton (USA) could not stay with the aggressive Marianne Vos (NED) after a late last lap attack, “I just couldn’t stay with her, she’s so quick, I gave it everything,” said Compton post race. Compton is a complete SRAM, Avid, and Zipp athlete and she was the favorite here in St Wendel. Early in the race the American made it difficult for the others, and when asked if she was on the front too much, Katie said, “I didn’t think so, it was either pull hard or take 11 riders to the finish. I had to play the odds.” Compton had an incredible year, was number one the UCI rankings, and won nearly every race she entered, including three UCI World Cups. The muddy course suited her powerful style, with several off-camber pitches, plus several short but technical sections. It was obvious Compton was emotional after the race , but she is the consumate professional and gave a great post race interview and shared her perfect smile. She also showed complete class and respect to Mariane Vos, graciously acknowledging that Vos was the better rider on the day, on this course. We at SRAM are certainly proud of Katie’s year, one of the best ever, and we want to thank her for her great representation all season, and here at World’s.
Steams pours off Compton 90 minutes before her World Championship attempt would begin
Compton warms in the solitude of the American tent and to the sounds of her iPod
Compton and American teammate, Meredith Miller, Miller would finish 27th
Compton prefers narrow rollers to a stationary trainer
Compton mid race, leads Vos and the field, she was undoubtedly one the early aggressors
Compton at the press conference, emotional yet all class