Key Takeaways:
– Eric Brunner is eyeing his third elite men’s US cyclocross title and better start position in European races.
– Brunner has a target on the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.
– He’s attempting to establish himself in cross-country mountain biking.
– The championships will begin on December 15 in Louisville, Kentucky.
– Brunner won six of 10 UCI races this fall.
Eric Brunner Marches Towards a Notable Goal
Cyclocross cyclist Eric Brunner is striving for more than merely securing his stars-and-stripes jersey in the upcoming USA Cycling Cyclocross National Championships next week. The competition, taking place in Louisville, Kentucky, on December 15, is the launchpad for Brunner’s dream of amassing points for the UCI Cyclocross World Cup circuit in Europe.
Aiming for a Third Title and More
The Colorado native is motivated to bag his third elite men’s cyclocross title, adding a feather to his 2019 victory as a U23 rider. Brunner’s fall season was impressive, with the cyclist snatching six wins out of ten UCI races, even though he joined the US cyclocross season late in September. Eric has already achieved his goal of defending his Pan Am title, and he is hopeful about securing the US title next.
“To have the best possible call-up at World Cups is crucial,” Brunner emphasized, increasing the hype for the forthcoming competitions. Explaining the importance of a start position, Brunner outlined how a good position can ultimately change the gameplay for a participant.
Playing for Points and Positions
Brunner, who turned 26 last November, stashed away his fourth Pan-American title just before his birthday. These victories don’t just shower him with jerseys but also provide him with vital points for improved placement at the World Cup races.
Last year, despite some disadvantages due to his racing frequency, Brunner managed to push through and secure strong finishes. A better starting position this year could drastically shift his race dynamics. Brunner averred that starting in the second row or being among the early call-ups on the third row can make a world of difference in his performance.
The World Cup Journey
Brunner’s post-championship schedule is packed with a series of World Cup competitions, kick-starting with the Hulst and Zonhoven doubleheader on December 21-22. January will find him back on the training circuit with the complete CompEdge team. He aims to wrap his training up with races in the Maasmechelen and Hoogerheide World Cups in preparation for the World Championships at LiĂ©vin.
A Journey Beyond the Road
Brunner, who has a background in road cycling, has started veering towards cross-country races. He won a bronze in cross-country at the US Mountain Bike Nationals in 2022 and has also participated in some gravel racing. One of his most significant accomplishments was a ninth-place finish at SBT GRVL in Colorado in August.
Striving for a Future at the Olympics
With one eye on the cyclocross title, Brunner has also started envisioning his long-term future. His focus for 2025 is a road program with CompEdge and a return to mountain bike racing. The athlete’s ultimate goal is the 2028 Los Angeles Olympic Games. Brunner is keenly interested in exploring his potential in mountain biking and harbours aspirations of participating in the Olympics.