It’s a long way to the top, but Mackenzie Woodring has taken Step One toward a final podium in the Competition. 

Taking advantage once again at the static top of the charts, Mackenzie Woodring donned her Foundry kit and took off for a big win at the Ithaca GP of Cyclocross. It’s been months since she registered a point in the Competition, chalking up a win at the Barry-Roubaix and spending much of the season on a tandem. Now, she’s racing solo in more ways than one. 

The race-long chase by Kim Chapman added some dramatics, but Woodring was safely off the front right from the gun. Still, the slick grass and crowded course meant every pedal stroke could be risky. Chapman rode a stellar race, always putting the pressure on Woodring from a few seconds back. The pair were head and shoulders faster than the rest, though Erin Disterheft’s fourth place gave her a huge boost towards the top. She picked up 12 points and has busted into the top ten, where just 8 points could put her onto the podium. 

Amanda Schaap has hit a number of Competition races and has elbowed her way past Zoe Reeves and Melissa Ryba. If she can make a few more races, and especially put in good efforts at Battle at the Burg and the Cross the Bay cyclocross race later in the season, she could threaten the lead if Widrig and Brockmiller aren’t active. 

The next race is a B race, which means it will be worth 15 points if the Women’s field is over 15, or 10 if it isn’t. At the moment, only Amanda Schaap is registered in the Women’s Pro/Elite field, which means she could threaten second place at Peak2Peak in October. 

Here are the full standings as off September 8, 2013.