Rams Cyclocross started the 2024 season on the east side of the Mississippi in Alton in early September. In the first three weeks on the east side, Ash Falk ’26 took home the top podium spot twice and finished second another week in the Juniors race. As the team moved back to St. Louis, Falk’s success continued in the Bubba Memorial Cyclocross Series held in various St. Louis County parks throughout the region. Falk leads all junior riders in total points. The season officially wrapped up at St. Vincent Park in late October with the team’s best finish of the year. Sawyer Merlin ’25 just missed a spot in the top five of the Men’s C race with a sixth-place finish, followed closely by Joe Intagliata ’25 in eighth, and Falk in 11th. Many of the team continued to race into the colder weather, gearing up for the Missouri State Championships at the start of December. Falk nabbed the Missouri State Cyclocross Championship title in the Junior category (age 15-16) held at Vlasis Park in Ballwin. It was a tight race until he pulled away in the final curve before the sprint to the finish.
“Winning the Cyclocross State Championship was an incredible experience, and I’m glad I got to have such a special moment at my first state competition,” said Falk. “It was one of the most demanding races I’ve been in, and came down to a few seconds at the finish line, but I was able to pull through with the encouragement of my family.” The race was tight, but Falk managed to pull away in the final curve before the sprint to the finish.
“I wouldn’t have been able to do it without the constant support of my teammates and coaches, and I’m so proud of all the accomplishments we’ve made this season,” he continued. “As a team, we’ve won several races across two series and taken many podium positions, and I think our success is a testament to the cooperation and commitment we have with each other.”
“Ash has come so far as a cyclist since he joined us as a freshman,” said Cyclocross Head Coach Chris Ludbrook. “He is a dedicated athlete who has embraced the value of hard work and, most importantly, truly enjoys spending time on his bike. The team is super proud of him for his efforts and the success that has come from them.”
Despite a rainout for this year’s Pedal the Cause, Merlin continued his efforts, raising more than $50,000 with the help of Intagliata, Dalton Costick ’26, and many others in the MICDS community.
