Clara Honsinger, a three-time US cyclo-cross champion, is embarking on a remarkable 2023-2024 season with a refreshing twist. The star-cross cyclist is all set to kick off her UCI cyclo-cross campaign in Waterloo, Wisconsin, this weekend. Honsinger’s path took an unexpected turn earlier this year when her WorldTour team, EF Education-TIBCO-SVB, closed its doors after the road season. While this could have been a setback for many, Honsinger saw it as an opportunity to shift her focus entirely to cyclo-cross.

Soon, she announced doing it with a renewed sense of purpose and a distinctive approach that promises excitement and challenges. With three national cyclo-cross titles under her belt, Clara was already prepared to chase her fourth. But what made this journey unique was her decision to rejoin Team S&M CX, the very team where Clara’s professional cycling career began. After rising to fame with her joining in 2017, Honsinger depicted a throwback look at the event. 

Cycling comeback witnesses a return to roots

Clara Honsinger was no stranger to the podium, with numerous titles in a sport where grit and determination define champions. The cycling professional’s adamant return to her roots marked the beginning of a chapter in her story, driven by a newfound sense of enthusiasm. Showcasing her desire to explore fresh avenues in cyclo-cross, the player chose to stay on home turf in the US. She decided to try her luck instead of focusing on the traditional route of heading to Europe for the season. 

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Additionally, Clara’s commitment to completing her bachelor’s degree in nutrition and health science, along with her busy race schedule, set her further apart. Her hard work exhibited a testament to dedication alongside a unique approach that added a fresh layer to Honsinger’s already illustrious career. Admirably, one of her top-tier goals for this season was to secure the first-ever World Cup victory. While it seemed to be a lofty ambition, Clara’s confidence remained unshaken, as she believed it was well within reach. 

An epic quest for glory

With top European riders making the trip to the US for the World Cup Waterloo, the event eventually gained recognition as a race worth traveling for. The elite women’s start list was evidently filled with notable names, including Dutch riders Fem van Empel and Puck Pieterse. Honsinger aimed for a top-five finish in this fiercely competitive field, paving the way for an exciting season of thrills ahead. Following the weekend races in Wisconsin, her schedule included UCI C1/C2 races in Cincinnati, Ohio, and the Pan American Championships in Missoula, Montana. 

The grand finale of her season was at the US Cyclocross National Championships in Louisville, Kentucky, where Clara wished to add another title to her impressive record. The cycling star reflected fondly on her previous championship win in Louisville, reminiscing about the challenging muddy conditions that made the race unforgettable. Consequently, Honsinger also expressed having a soft spot for mud and thrives on technical, hard courses. As she embraced the adrenaline rush of the cyclocross season, Clara appeared resolute in her focus. 

Leaving the road behind, Clara has no active plans to join a road team in 2024. Surprisingly, her eyes are firmly set on the cyclocross world, and she feels determined to make a mark. After the Nationals, Clara Honsinger hopes to have the flexibility to explore races in Europe. Her target includes post-world races that promise a more relaxed and enjoyable atmosphere. With the weather forecast predicting rain for the Wisconsin races, Clara looks well-prepared, gaining a new team by her side. 

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