BOULDER, Colo. -- The Fort Lewis College cycling team turned in an impressive weekend of racing at the CU Road Weekend, highlighted by multiple podium finishes and a historic victory in the men's pro 1/2 road race.
Criterium Recap
Saturday's criterium, held on the campus of the University of Colorado Boulder, featured a fast and technical course with two long straightaways and several challenging high-speed corners. Fort Lewis riders navigated the course effectively across all categories, producing a series of strong finishes.
In the women's Category 4/5 race, Scarlette Hardie led the way with a seventh-place finish, followed by Kaya Kandolin in ninth and Jessica Jacobsen in 11th.
The men's Category 3/4 race saw Oliver Smith place sixth, Josh Fox take eighth, and Oliver Rutberg finish 10th.
In the men's pro 1/2 race, Fort Lewis executed a cohesive team strategy, consistently animating the race by initiating moves and covering breakaways. Ezra Brown powered into the final breakaway group of four riders, ultimately finishing fourth. He was followed by Ian Williams in seventh and Elliot Thornblade in 13th.
On the women's side of the pro 1/2 race, Carol Haag and Charlotte Lehman both delivered strong rides in a race that came down to a sprint finish. Haag placed ninth, with Lehman finishing 15th.
Road Race Recap
Sunday's Boulder Roubaix, a storied race featuring approximately 60% gravel roads, tested riders with demanding terrain and unpredictable weather. Conditions remained dry for much of the day before rain fell during the final lap of the pro races, creating a cold and challenging finish.
Kaya Kandolin secured a third-place finish in the women's Category 5 race, while Jessica Jacobsen earned second place in the women's Category 4 race.
The men's Category 3 race showcased exceptional teamwork from Fort Lewis, culminating in a dominant performance. Freshman Josh Fox sprinted to victory, with Kip Sevenoff finishing second, Oliver Rutberg fourth, and Kelly Oelkers sixth.
In the men's pro 1/2 race, Fort Lewis once again controlled the race from start to finish. Elliot Thornblade capped the effort with a thrilling sprint victory from a select group of six riders, marking a historic milestone as the first Boulder Roubaix win in program history. Ezra Brown added a fourth-place finish, with Ian Williams taking sixth in the collegiate standings of the 90-mile race.
In the women's Category 3 race, Stella Schultz claimed third place, while Carol Haag followed closely in fourth over the 60-mile course.
Fort Lewis will look to carry this momentum into road nationals next week. The Skyhawks travel to Madison, Wisconsin, to compete Friday through Sunday for a chance to add to the team's championship total.
