Army SSG Michael Gallagher Finishes 11th in U.S. National Cyclocross Championships!
10 Dec 05

Starting from the back row with the last number 124 pinned to his uniform, and with 115 PRO and Elite cyclocross riders in front of him, SSG Michael Gallagher rode the race of his life to finish in 11th place in the U.S. National Cyclocross Championships.

"I was just riding hard and racing smart" said Gallagher after the event. I visualized the course in my mind, knowing where I could make up ground and where I had to show some smarts. Plus, I had a lot of great support." Gallagher was referring to his weekend pit support, Derik Archibald, who provided pit support in Gallagher's European and U.S. National events this season. Former Armed Forces Teammate Sean Cahill was there to provide encouragement and race info "Sean was running around the course cheering me on and giving me times for the entire race which was extremely helpful."

Of the 10 athletes who finished in front of Gallagher, eight started in the first row and the other two in the second. According to [the slightly biased view of] Sean Cahill, "Michael started in the back, dead last. He was on the left side and 100 meters into the race there was a huge pileup on the right-hand side. Michael scooted by on the left unscathed and moved from about 120th to 40th. From there, he put on a cross clinic moving through the field and eventually ending up 11th." Cahill also dubbed Gallagher "The Mikhail Baryshnikov of the Barriers" for his precision handling of the course obstacles.

According to Gallagher, "This was a course that favored no particular rider as it equally exposed all weaknesses. The fans and the venue were top class. It was exciting before the event even started as the people were just filling the course more and more prior to the elite mens race. My entire season has been focused on doing well at this event. I'm really glad that I can give the Armed Forces Team a really good result!"

Success is not reached alone, especially with a full-time military job and college course work. Gallagher was quick to recognize the support from his military unit "In order to compete at such an elite level, I know this could only be possible with the support of my unit, the 7th ARCOM, located in Schwetzingen, Germany. More importantly, my section G6, who has worked out the logistics and staffing that allows for the additional training I need to compete at this level. I personally thank all of you."

As far as what the future holds, Gallagher adds "I feel like I still have about 15% to add to my fitness level so keep your eye out for the Armed Forces Cycling Team jersey in the future."

SSG Michael Gallagher is a member of the U.S. Army Reserves as a computer systems administrator stationed in Schwetzingen, Germany.

cyclingnews.com race coverage and full results:
http://www.cyclingnews.com/cross/2005/dec05/UScrossnats05/?id=results/UScrossnats0510

Photo used with permission ©: Peter Hall, peterhalldesign@mac.com