Mike Garrigan has eyes on national and world cyclocross championships

Since winning the Canadian cyclocross championships in 2007, Mike Garrigan has been a perennial favourite at the national competition. In September, he left his coaching position at the Ontario Cycling Association to focus on ‘cross racing and his education. After overcoming some bad luck during the early season, racing is finally beginning to take shape for Garrigan. “I’m a little fitter this season and after getting over a bunch of poor luck, I’m starting to see some results,” said Garrigan, who won the Kutztown cross race in Pennsylvania this past weekend.

Perhaps a change in scenery was all that was needed, as Garrigan has relocated to New York City where his wife is from. With his home base in the Big Apple, he can better access many of the major U.S. ‘cross races.

The national championships are now on his radar and a top priority. He is modest with his expectations, yet it is clear he’d love to win. “I hope to have a smooth race and see what result that achieves. To win again would be pretty sweet,” he said. As a former ‘cross national champion and given Garrigan’s recent run of form, it is certainly not out of the question to consider him a real favourite.

Following the nationals, Garrigan will head to Europe where he’ll compete in World Cup races with the hopes of being selected to race in the world championships for Canada. Last year, Garrigan finished 16th at the nationals, which wasn’t high enough to get him on the national team for the world championships. He did, however, earn enough points later to ride for Canada in Louisville, Ky.