Race Report: 2026 Crusher Cup MTB Series #4 XCO - Men’s Cat 1/Expert
Race: 2026 Crusher Cup MTB Series #4 XCO - Men’s Cat 1/Expert Age 19-39
Date: August 16, 2026
AVRT racers: Michael Matthews, Drew Mathews
Top Result: Men’s Cat 1/Expert Age 19-39 1st/5 (Men’s Cat 1/Expert Overall 3rd/28).
Course: After a winter of intense trail building by the park, the new course this year had a much more technical feel. The usual single track, berms, and flow around the pump track remained unchanged. The South side of the course around the disc golf course contained two new rock garden features, one with an A/B line to choose from, and some really tight snappy turn sections. It was a 3.3 mile lap completed 4.5 times for Cat 1, with ~554 ft of climbing per lap. Pass opportunities were almost strictly on the bigger climbs and start/finish straight.
Strava: https://www.strava.com/activities/19771841466
Nutrition: Normal breakfast and ~100g of carbs in a bottle for pre/in-race nutrition.
Event Recap: Michael was joined by fellow AVRT racer Drew this time out. Drew was out today to get primed for cyclocross season, and had just come off a big day at the San Ardo road race.
The 19-39 field started a few seconds after the 17-18 boys. In the long fire road start it was key to position well. Michael got to wheel-one before the bridge and was only passed by a 40+ rider before the climb. He held that position and started collecting and passing younger-age group riders. There was a small gap to Michael’s only remaining rival. This was a strong indication that climbing legs could win the day if he didn’t cede too much time on the descents.
The descents contained some race-ending potential. It was key to attack the right features and keep the rubber side down. The rock gardens were bone rattling.
Michael’s lead extended as the climbs added up. It was a scorcher of a day (95 F) so Michael locked in a steady safe pace to hold off any surges from competitors.
In the end it was a clear solo finish for 1st place and a series win for Michael!
Ps. Drew and Michael are not related but share an awesome last name (almost ;P)