Kabush primed for cyclocross nationals in B.C.

Canadian mountain biker, Geoff Kabush, doesn’t train specifically for cyclocross during the off season, but that didn’t stop him from standing on the podium at the Trek U.S. Grand Prix of Cycloross series this weekend held in Fort Collins, Colorado.

“I had a crazy busy, exciting and fun September, and it seemed like I recovered just in time to be in the mix this weekend in Fort Collins,” Kabush told Canadian Cycling Magazine.

The Courtenay B.C. native capped off two days of international ‘cross racing, sponsored by Smartwool, with a fifth place on Saturday and third place on Sunday.

“It was fun to be racing near the front this weekend,” Kabush said. “I was just lacking the eye of tiger to really fight for the top step. I’m taking a little break from racing after this weekend.”

U.S. national champion, Jeremy Powers (Rapha-Focus) won both events. Canadians Evan McNeely (Specialized) placed 14th, Aaron Schooler (H&R Block) 24th and Craig Richey (SponsorConnect.com) 34th on the first day.

U.S. national champion, Katie Compton (Trek Cyclocross Collective) won both women’s events. Canada’s Pepper Harlton (Juventus Cycling Club) finished just off the podium in fourth and Mical Dyck (Stan’s No Tubes) placed ninth.

Kabush put forth a podium performance on the second day and McNeely ended his race in 12th place, Schooler in 24th and Connor Wilson of Juventus in 72nd. Harlton rolled to the line in fifth place and Dyck in 14th in the women’s race.

Kabush heads to Maui for some downtime before competing at the Canadian national cyclocross championships held on November 17 in Surrey, B.C..

“I’ll definitely expect a good battle at nationals because I know a lot of riders are fired up this year to race and make the trip to Louisville worlds,” Kabush said.

Kabush doesn’t typically target the UCI Cyclocross World Championships. He hopes to make the team this year, in part, because the event will be held outside of Europe for the first time and in Louisville, Kentucky.

“After Nationals I’ll do the Bend USGP, might get talked into going over to Belgium. I’m definitely thinking about doing worlds,” Kabush said.