Category: Panda’s POV

2016 races, Panda's POV, Race Reports

January 23rd, 2016

Panda’s POV: My First World Cup

Amanda Nauman

The journey to get to the French World Cup in Lignieres-en-Berry has been quite an adventure. I spent a good portion of the Monday after Nationals making travel arrangements at our hotel in Asheville. What transpired in the next 48 hours was very taxing on my body. Monday night was spent mostly on the floor of the bathroom in serious pain from food poisoning or some sort of stomach virus. Something had triggered my stomach into a full system reboot. Continue reading “Panda’s POV: My First World Cup”

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Panda's POV

January 22nd, 2016

Panda’s POV: Asheville Happy Pill

Amanda Nauman

Race day… A morning spin in the Feedback tent. The usual breakfast. I sat in the car and watched the live stream of the previous categories on my phone as the nerves grew. It was cold. It was windy. The course was muddy but drying up as the wind blew. Normally I would have no problem eating my regular second breakfast (yes, I am a hobbit https://youtu.be/XkzvHtjnNOs) but my nerves were getting the best of me and I struggled to put down some extra calories I knew I would need in a couple hours. The venue was buzzing. The crowds were growing. The anticipation was escalating and my Dad was in attendance so I knew I had to shine. Continue reading “Panda’s POV: Asheville Happy Pill”

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2016 races, Panda's POV, Race Reports

January 16th, 2016

Panda’s POV: Goals and European Dreams

Amanda Nauman

[Editor’s note: This Panda’s POV was written by Amanda as she traveled to the 2016 U.S. Cyclocross Nationals in Asheville, North Carolina. If you watched that race, you know how she did and that experience will be detailed in full in the next installment. But for now, this is a really great recap of an amazing season … so far.]

I am currently on a Southwest flight headed from LAX to ATL on Monday, January 4th. USA Cycling Cyclocross Nationals looms in the near distance and I reflect on a full season of racing and what’s still in store for me. Continue reading “Panda’s POV: Goals and European Dreams”

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January 6th, 2016

Panda’s POV: The Southern ‘Cross Series Finale

Amanda Nauman

The venue for the Highlander ‘Cross Cup is located on the side of a hill next to McLennen College’s Community Services building. I learned that when USA Cycling was facing the course dilemmas at Zilker Park in Austin earlier this year, Waco was on the table as a secondary course option. It would have been a great location for a Nationals-caliber course. The elevation changes and technical sections rival the Pan-Am Championships course in Cincinnati and it is one wild ride. Continue reading “Panda’s POV: The Southern ‘Cross Series Finale”

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2015 Races, Panda's POV, Race Reports

December 17th, 2015

Panda’s POV: My Resolution with Mud

Amanda Nauman

There was an impressive array of paved bike paths in Tulsa, OK that I took advantage of in-between the Ruts ‘N Guts and Resolution ‘Cross Cup weekends. I eagerly got my Ruts ‘N Guts report finished for Panda’s POV and recorded an interview for Crosshairs Radio. I’ll never forget the outpouring of support and congratulations I received after my Tulsa wins. It was more fuel for the fire as I focused my attention on the upcoming races in Dallas, TX. Continue reading “Panda’s POV: My Resolution with Mud”

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2015 Races, Panda's POV, Race Reports

December 9th, 2015

Panda’s POV: “Ma’am, You’re Killing It.”

Amanda Nauman

It’s Monday morning following an unforgettable weekend in Oklahoma. I woke up and read a new post from Jeremy Powers who had just won the C1 day at Jingle Cross. His reflection:
“If you’re winning and it’s just another win, you miss the opportunity to enjoy the journey it took to get there. That perspective is such a big key to happiness for me. I know many of you are conquering feats big & small. Pat yourself on the back; enjoy the journey and road it took to get there.” – Jeremy Powers Continue reading “Panda’s POV: “Ma’am, You’re Killing It.””

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2015 Races, Panda's POV, Race Reports

November 14th, 2015

Panda’s POV: Down at Derby City

Amanda Nauman

The Kentucky Derby is an annual horse race held in Louisville, Kentucky. Often called “The Most Exciting Two Minutes in Sports”, the Kentucky Derby receives this nickname from the approximate length of time it takes the winner to run from the starting gate to the finish line. On Saturday, November 7th, a Panda took off from the starting gate and came to a stop right on the finish line of the Derby City Cup in less than two minutes. Continue reading “Panda’s POV: Down at Derby City”

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