Providence, Rhode Island
Racers at the Liberty Mutual U.S. National Cyclo-cross Championships kicked off three days of spirited competition this morning under a steady snowfall. Snow turned to sleet then turned to freezing rain then back into snow during the master women's 40-44, 45-49, 50-54, 55-59 race yet despite the increasing slickness six new champions earned their stars and stripes today.

"I raced in Chicago last week and it was snowing just like this but we didn't have the base layer of the icy conditions, we just had grass—dry and then snow on top so it was different conditions," said Patti Kaufman, winner of the master women 45-49 category. "I had a lot of difficulties with the terrain, it was tough, there were a lot of ups and downs. You knew you were going to go down and you just accepted it."

Audrey Huffman struggled to stay upright due to worsening course conditions and succeeded in sustaining a significant lead until a fall in the final few laps delayed her by ten seconds. No matter since Huffman got back up to finish first in the 40-44 category and collect her championship jersey.

Racing in his third national cyclo-cross championship category (first elite, then pro, now masters 45-49) Steve Tilford claimed his sixth title and will move to the front of the line for Sunday's Liberty Cup race.

"This is only the second year I rode masters," said Tilford. "I mainly rode today because there was a chance I could line up on the front row for Sunday's Liberty Cup race. I don't like starting 40 or 50 guys back so if I can race on Friday and line up on the front row on Sunday, I was like "hey, that seems like a good trade off."