Campus Life

USU Cycling Wins First Two Individual National Championships in Club History

By Marcus Jensen |

USU cycling team members Trevor McDonough, Gwen Sepp, Bailey Nielson and Nathan Asay.

The Utah State University Cycling Club earned its first ever national titles as bikers competed in the 2021 USA Cycling Collegiate Mountain Biking National Championship. USU had one rider take two first place finishes, as well as two others finishing in the top 10 of their races. The championships were held Oct. 14-17 in Durango, Colo.

USU senior and club Vice President Trevor McDonough earned two national titles, coming in first place in both the men’s club Dual Slalom and the men’s club Downhill, sweeping the gravity events. McDonough became the first USU cyclist to win a national championship and the first ever club champion from the state of Utah.

“When I started racing at three years old, I never thought biking would take me to a national championship – let alone win two national titles,” McDonough said. “It has been an actual dream come true."

USU also had other cyclists qualify for nationals and finish with high marks. First year student Gwen Sepp finished in fourth place in the women’s club cross country. Joining her in the top 10 was senior and club president Bailey Nielson, who finished in seventh place.

“It has been an absolute honor to be the president of the cycling club and see the hard work and dedication every athlete on the team has put into the sport,” Nielson said. “The team has become family and the results are just an extra bonus!”

Sophomore and travel safety officer Nathan Asay also qualified for the national meet in the cross country, finishing in 31st place. The competitors face difficult conditions, as snow had fallen on the courses just days earlier, leaving the tracks muddy and slick.

“I had an absolutely fantastic time with the USU cycling club this season,” Sepp said. “It was a crazy experience racing in the snow and mud at nationals, but I am super happy with my results and already getting excited for next season!”

With qualifying four riders for the national championships this past season, the club is excited to see what it can achieve next season and is already looking forward to getting back on the bikes.

“The team has had huge growth and improvement and I'm excited for the next season!” Asay said.

For complete results of the 2021 USA Cycling Collegiate Mountain Biking National Championship, visit https://legacy.usacycling.org/results/index.php?permit=2021-5114.

USU senior and club president Bailey Nielson on the trail. She finished in seventh place.

USU senior and club Vice President Trevor McDonough on the winner's podium.

WRITER

Marcus Jensen
News Coordinator
University Marketing and Communications
marcus.jensen@usu.edu

CONTACT

Bailey Nielson
Senior and Club President
USU Cycling Club
bailey.nielson@usu.edu


TOPICS

Athletics 193stories Club Sports 28stories

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