In their first ever Collegiate and U23 CycloCross National Championships, all four newest members had standout performances. The event was held in Fayetteville, Arkansas where the team traveled to compete against all the best Varsity Cycling Schools and strongest under 23-year-old riders in the country. 
 
Ruby Telepak had an outstanding ride on a loose course in the women's Collegiate race, finishing in 17th place out of 40 riders. Only a few of the best schools were represented ahead of her in the race. She backed that result up two days later with an impressive ride in the U23 race, coming in 10th and putting herself in the mix with some of the best riders we have competed against all year. 
 
In the highly contested U23 race and what would be the battle for the most coveted jersey, Nathaniel Gervez rode to an incredible 11th place out of 60 riders. He was moving between positions 11 and 16th over the course of the hour-long race. In the final laps he found another gear and attacked the group he was with, leaving them all behind and crossing the finish-line alone.  Gervez would also shock the competition in the Collegiate race, taking 15th place and finishing ahead of many strong riders from the best schools.
 
William Dodds had a breakthrough performance in his first year in the U23 race, coming away with a result that bodes very well for his future.  After enduring terrible bad luck in the collegiate race with a flat tire that forced him to run more than half the lap and ultimately abandon the race, he was determined to leave it all out there on day two.  Will finished in an extremely respectable 26th place while teammate, Gus Lynott was the last rider to finish on the lead lap in 40th place.  This is an achievement that doesn't go unnoticed by those who know how fast and furious these races are and that many riders get pulled before the race is even over.
 
"I am so proud of this squad and the effort they put out there at this Championship Event," said head coach Shelley Olds. "Every one of them represents Roanoke College with genuine pride and the imprint they left this weekend on our competition cannot be denied."