Behind The Lens: #CXNATS

Photos by Katie Busick

By InnerVoice

December 21^st, 2018

The 2018 USA Cycling Cyclocross National Championships took place in Louisville, Kentucky on December 16.

The event concluded with epic course conditions and thousands of cheering spectators around the muddy course at Joe Creason Park. Strategy for the racers was all about staying smooth and minimizing mistakes on the tough 2.41-kilometer twisting course, with its relentless elevation changes and water-saturated clay that blended into heavy mud.

We take a look behind the lens of Katie Busick as she shares what her inner voice was saying as she snapped some of the most indelible images of the year at the 2018 #CXNATS

Domination

Katie Compton has won an impressive 15 straight national titles. She started this winning streak at 25 and is still maintaining it at 40. It was great to see how many fans were out there cheering her on.

UPWARD

While waiting to shoot the riders at the top of the limestone steps, I could hear the announcers saying that Spencer Petrov had opened up a lead in the men’s U23 race. It felt like he had the course all to himself as he came towards me.

He went onto win the race.

Cheering Section

The cyclocross community is like no other and I am always fascinated by the connection people have to the sport. Every time I go to a race, I meet another member of the inner circle. This mother and daughter team flew from Massachusetts to cheer on riders who raced on a development team that their family sponsors.

THE MUD

Rain moved into Louisville two days prior to the Elite races, creating thick, slick, heavy course conditions. Something that is so unique to CX is that riders are able to move faster by running with their bikes rather than riding them.

Off Camber

I’m not familiar with this racer, but I was drawn to the color tones, depth of field and composition in this shot. The photo sums up what I feel my photography style is. I knew this would be my favorite spot to shoot when I walked the course in the morning.

The Climb

Caitrin Huysman is a junior rider from New England in the U23 category. I was standing at the top of a messy, muddy hill when I saw her coming towards me shouldering her bike. I framed this shot to show the effect the course was having on the bikes and the riders.

Thicker than Water

You can see the pride and love Emma White has for her brother, Curtis.

Curtis battled Stephen Hyde for the entire race, coming in second. Emma gave up cyclocross to pursue track racing, setting her sights on the 2020 Olympics. She flew in, straight from her silver medal-winning finish in the team pursuit at the World Cup in London, to support Curtis.

A Moment of focus

The start grid for the Elite men’s race was chaotic. I noticed that Anthony Clark was sitting; still, eyes closed, head bent and hands folded. This quiet, still form is unlike Anthony at most other moments in his life.

THE Future

This is the finish of the 10-and-under race. These racers were coated in mud, losing shoes in the muck and carrying bikes that weighed more than they did. These were some of the most impressive performances of the day.

Never Give up

I saw fatigue mixed with determination in this racer’s body language. Just after making it over the barriers he would see two laps to go, soon reaching the end of his race and the end of his season.

LOVE

While waiting at the finish line for Stephen Hyde’s win, I noticed his new wife across the course from me. I figured every other photographer around me would be aiming for the shot of winner, so I decided to focus on Hayley’s reaction.

Powering through

Conditions in Louisville did not accommodate Jeremy Powers’ strengths. After an early race season plagued with health issues, he worked his way back to compete at Nationals and fought his way through the field, coming in 5th.