Punch the Unicorn - but not really - we like the unicorns

Saturday dawned already warm and sunny at Panorama Farms in Charlottesville. For the first time at a local race, we towed our little trailer into the venue and set up our flags and tent - a welcome space for anyone who wanted to be part. Just like in Fayetteville, the 3 Cats tent was a beacon for extended family - kids and families from CRC and Albemarle High hid from the sun underneath.

Still not a full squad, this time the boys from the team (plus coaches Erik and Bill) were here to race while the girls were further south at Appalachian Journey. Panorama Farms is a nonstop roller coaster of steep climbs, descents, twists, and turns and nowhere to rest except one field exposed to the unforgiving sun.

Before we start our race report - shout out to all the parents (looking at you Noah!) who helped our very sun toasty selves get the trailer packed up so we could get out of the venue.

Seth - Beginner Boys

First up was Seth in his second race of the season. What a difference this race made! Seth was aggressive from the start, which is funny to write because he is a happy ray of sunshine—but he attacked right out of the gate. Even an over-the-bars crash couldn't hold him down, and he fought his way back through the field from DFL to 8th place.

Coach Bill - Beginner Men

Who doesn't love Coach Bill? Coach Bill came out having never ridden at Panorama, which is the most difficult race in the RVA Underground series. Bill spent the race not just focused on his race but supporting every student athlete that needed his help.

Owen, Nathan & Mat - Sport U19 Boys

They were a freight train into the woods at the start, with dust and chaos behind them—first, second, and fifth into the woods. What was shaping up to be a 3 Cats podium was abruptly halted when Nathan slid out in the dust and hit a tree at speed. Don't worry, he is going to be fine, but his race was over, and his arms have some new scars. If you are keeping count, this is the first helmet of 2026 to need replacing. But Owen and Mat continued the charge. Owen powered away, taking the win with a 2-minute gap to second. Mat rolled in right behind, and if I haven't said it yet—wow, what a race. But if you were paying attention, this shouldn't come as a surprise. Owen has been steadily building his fitness this winter and is primed for his home course race at Western Albemarle High. Mat has also been building fitness and appears to be over the virus that impacted him in Arkansas. We can't wait for the VAHS season.

Erik - Sport Men

A mechanical issue with his cross-country bike had Coach Erik racing on his old bouncy Norco Sight. Regardless of the bike, Coach Erik actually tried today, and he brought it! Taking the hole shot into the woods, he led the race for the first lap, finally getting caught on a long climb up from the creek. He took it home in the heat for a 5th place finish (his first podium in over 20 years) He took advantage of the copious dump bottles in the feed zone - thank you, Coach Deborah and the 3 Cats Extended family.

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