The Holmgren twins and members of Hardwood Next Wave cycling team had a stellar weekend at an international cyclocross event - the King’s CX in Cincinnati, Ohio - last weekend.
Ava Holmgren took home gold on the first day of the double header with her sister, Isabella placing fifth. The course was dry and fast, favouring a rider with finesse and superior cornering skills.
On the second day of competition, the skies opened up and the course proved to be very muddy and slippery. The racers were challenged in their line selection and ability to be smooth and calm under pressure.
Riders were required to dismount and run many sections that were rideable just the day before. Isabella Holmgren brought home gold winning by over 30 seconds ahead of her sister, Ava, who managed to bring home the silver.
Both girls demonstrated calmness and confidence managing bike exchanges in the pits and patience when slipping in the mud.
Thanks to their coaching and riding as youth in the Hardwood Next Wave program, the Holmgren twins have shown they have the skills to handle varying conditions on different courses. This is what makes an exceptional cyclocross racer: adaptability.
In the UCI junior men’s race, Hardwood's Ian Ackert broke away with a rider from the Bear Development Team, racing to second in a print finish. On Sunday, Ackert proved to have the superior bike-handling skills in the mud, racing to first place as a first-year junior rider in a stacked field.
The team was home this week to rest and reset before heading to the Provincial Cyclocross Championships in Milton on Sunday.
They will then resume their training building for the Nationals, Pan American and World Championships in the second half of the season.
The riders and coaches give special thanks to all of the sponsors who have supported Team Hardwood Next Wave athletes. The strong support is showing in strong international performances.
