I haven't gotten over the experience of seeing the Cyclocross World Championships in person. Seeing all of my favorite riders up close is an experience I will never forget. I am proud that we made up for lower spectator numbers for this type of event through sheer enthusiasm. Every rider was greeted with a wall of sound as they passed the crowd with the Americans cheered even more heartily. Every rider was appreciated for their efforts. Overall, the race was a huge party where everyone had a great attitude and had a fantastic time. Who could ask for anything better? The one exception to all of this bonhomie occurred when Pat McQuaid, president of the UCI, was introduced at the awards ceremony. I lustily booed and was quite pleased to find myself joined by the vast majority of the crowd. The USA is grateful for having CX World Championships for the first time in the history of the sport, but not so grateful that we can't call a spade a spade.

The start of the Women's Elite race and yes, Marianne Vos is already out front.

First time through the frozen sand pit for the Women.

The Elite Men's start just as they come off of the pavement and onto the grass. Note the Belgian team member on the front sitting up and turning around and the Dutch team member sitting up and casually putting his glasses on the back of his helmet IN THE PACK AT THE START OF WORLD CHAMPIONSHIPS!

The chaos in the pits during the Elite Men's race.

If you weren't able to make it to World's, I hope this gives you a sense of what it was like.