In a year wrought with dramatic ups and downs, America’s top cross country racer Jeremy Horgan-Kobelski was able to crown the season with a stars and stripes jersey. With a commanding performance, JHK powered away from the men’s pro field to take the National Championship title for the fourth year in a row.

Jeremy’s season was put in jeopardy in April with a nasty crash at the Sea Otter Classic. The recovery effort from the several broken bones he incurred in the crash was something that no cyclist ever wants to endure. But like a true champion, Jeremy battled back, leading his Subaru-Gary Fisher team to a NORBA NCS Team Championship Title before entering the US National Championship weekend as a favorite.

JHK was aggressive from the gun in the 24 mile pro men’s race. He got into the critical break early in the race, and then attacked on one of the courses punishing climbs to gain a critical gap over the chasers. Jeremy wasn’t content with a small lead. He kept on the power for the remaining three laps of the race, finishing with nearly a four minute gap over second place. This performance made it perfectly clear who the most talented cross country cyclist in the US is.

On the women’s side Subaru-Gary Fisher’s Willow Koerber was a contender in a hard fought pro women’s race. Willow worked much of the race chasing down attacks, only seconds off the lead for much of the race. She eventually was bested at the line, finishing a very close third place for her efforts.

In the Marathon event, Subaru-Gary Fisher endurance specialist Nat Ross fought hard to capture a coveted podium spot. In a race won by former Olympian Travis Brown, Nat was able to grind his way into fifth place by the end of the four hours of racing, earning himself a well deserved metal for the day. Nat now focuses on the 24 Hours of Moab where he hopes to repeat his win of 2004.

The National Championships marks an end to the major racing of the 2005 season for Subaru-Gary Fisher cross country. With podium finishes for both the men’s and women’s teams, and the NORBA NCS Team Overall, the team can mark the season as a resounding success. Now the XC riders can sit back, relax, and watch their endurance teammates Nat Ross and Cameron Chambers battle it out in a few remaining endurance events.