A bike, a rider, a race: CC senior is cyclocross competitor

John Hanson '05

Cyclocross racer John Hanson ’05, a history and economics major, left his New London training ground behind to compete in the sport’s world championships Jan. 29-30 in St. Wendel, Germany.

Cyclocross?

The sport blends elements of road and mountain biking. Races are short and fast, demanding physical and mental agility.

Hanson is training in Belgium as a member of the USA Cycling team for the world championships. He is one of only five Americans competing in the under-23 race.

Although Hanson grew up mountain biking, he began road cycling and cyclocross in 1999 and became hooked on the sport. In 2001 he was selected to race a junior world cup for road cycling, but admits that the upcoming championship is his “biggest accomplishment.”

Hanson trains throughout the year, spending as many as 20 hours a week in the saddle. His current training in Belgium is focused on shorter, more intense training and recovery rides that last between one and two-and-a-half hours. He has become skilled at the “forced dismounts” required in races where the rider has to negotiate obstacles and steep inclines by hopping off the bike, running with it, and hopping back on - all in one fluid motion.

“I can hop off going 20-plus mph no problem,” he said.

Hanson, a senior whose hometown is West Hartford, Conn., has successfully balanced his studies with training and competition during his three-and-a-half years at Connecticut College. He finds New London and southeastern Connecticut ideal for practicing the sport.

“I really enjoy riding through downtown and then past Ocean Beach and Harkness State Park,” he said.

Although he is missing classes to race, Hanson thinks his experience is vital to his Connecticut College experience.

“Each race I enter here seems like the new biggest race of my life, and seeing how I can adapt to the pressure and adversity offers valuable lessons that I can apply to the classroom,” he said. “Dealing with the level of racing, the culture shock, and the attention that I receive here has taught me a lot. I know what I can do, what I will do, and most importantly, that anything is possible.”