The long-running Cannondale-Cyclocrossworld.com team race is over. In a sudden announcement on social media on Monday, the U.S.-based cyclocross program announced that it has ceased operations and will not continue for another 17 seasons.
"Unfortunately, all journeys must come to an end. Today we share the difficult news that the Cannondale Cyclocross World Team will not return next season. It is a difficult decision, but we understand that now is the time," the team said in a statement posted on Twitter and Instagram.
Cannondale Cyclocross World was the longest-running and most accomplished elite-level cyclocross team in the United States, rising to the forefront of the sport under the leadership of Stu Thorne. For the 16 years that the team existed, the top American athletes in the sport of cyclocross were in the spotlight, wearing their signature lime green colors and claiming the stars and stripes jersey at the US National Championships.
Two-time elite women's national champion Clara Honsinger has raced with the team throughout the cyclocross season, and her teammates include Katie Keough, Emma White, and Katie Cruz. On the men's side, Tim Johnson, Jeremy Powers, Ryan Trebon, Curtis White, and three-time US National Champion Stephen Hyde have raced for Cannondale-Cyclocrossworld.
Cannondale-Cyclocrossworld notes in its summary of the 2021-2022 season that it had 29 wins and 35 podium finishes. This included Klaus winning the U23 title in the women's elite race in December and Honsinger taking the Stars and Stripes jersey for the second time.
Just six weeks ago, the UCI Cyclocross World Championships in Arkansas attracted a larger number of riders than is typical for a locally held world championship. Honsinger and White were the top American elite riders, placing 11th and 12th, respectively. Kraus was one of three Americans in the top 12 in the women's under 23 age group, while AJ August finished fifth in the junior men's race.
Just this past season, Hyde, Keogh, and Emma White retired from competition. Hyde raced for five seasons and Keogh for 12 years with the CXWorld team; White was a multi-talented cyclist who competed on the road, in cyclocross, and on the track for Team USA at the Olympics. With the Cannondale-Cyclocrossworld team she won the women's U23 cyclocross title in 2018 and placed seventh in the U23 category at the World Championships.
In February, the team's four major sponsors were praised in a social media post, with Cannondale, SRAM, and Zipp wheels all having been part of the 'cross program since 2006. The post did not foreshadow the team's demise, declaring, "I am excited to see what the future holds for our partnership."
Hyde posted a comment on social media on Monday." What an incredible legacy you have left behind. I am so happy and proud to have been a part of it myself. I am grateful for the time I was able to spend with all of you.
Curtis White, who was with the team for nearly 10 seasons, also joined the chorus. He said, "I am so thankful and grateful for the nine seasons I was able to pursue my passion with the team. Thank you for the impact you have had on my career, the careers of so many others, and this sport as a whole."
Comments