jhanscom posted on November 20, 2007 13:36
November 17, 2007 (West Windsor, NJ) – Ryan Trebon and Georgia Gould took wins in the elite races at the Mercer Cup presented by Knapp’s Cyclery – the second stop of the US Gran Prix of Cyclocross presented by Crank Brothers.
On a beautiful autumn day, Mercer County Park played first time host to a UCI Cyclocross race and was considered a huge success with riders, fans and local officials alike. The course, a first-time USGP venue, was mostly flat but with some very technical areas. The distinguishing feature of the Mercer course is the long sand pit which played a pivotal role in determining the outcome of the races today.
Elite Men
For the first two laps there was a group of seven riders off the front: Ryan Trebon, Tim Johnson, Barry Wicks, Jeremy Powers, Chris Jones, Jesse Anthony and Todd Wells. It was only a matter of time before Trebon attacked and Wicks went with him. The two teammates from Kona were able to get a gap on the group. Johnson, the series leader, suffered the first of a few setbacks on the day when he broke his seat post and then a few laps later crashed. Johnson was able to power through those obstacles and was working hard to get to the leaders on his own. He was unable to catch Trebon and Wicks who were really on their game today. Trebon eventually got a gap on Wicks to take the win. Johnson finished third and retains the white leader’s jersey tomorrow.
Elite Women
Without series leader Katie Compton on the line today, there were many ways this race could have gone. Early on it was Georgia Gould, Alyson Sydor and Lyne Bessette off the front with a few seconds on a chase group. Gould who is coming off of a win this past week eventually pulled away from Sydor and Bessette for a convincing win. Katerina Nash powered through the field to out sprint Alyson Sydor for third. Nash started again in the fourth row and worked her way onto the podium. With her effort Nash was named the SRAM Most Aggressive Rider today. The story of the day is Georgia Gould who with a convincing win today is the new points leader and will wear the white jersey on Sunday.
U23
In the U23, series leader Danny Summerhill was in control of the race until crashing in the sand pit. Jamie Driscoll attacked, got a gap and stayed ahead for the win. Summerhill recovered to finish third. Bjorn Selander, who started the race in the fourth row, powered his way onto the podium. Selander’s effort earned him the SRAM Most Aggressive Rider award.
Notes
The SRAM Most Aggressive Riders were: Elite Men: Bjorn Selander (Ridley Factory Team); Women: Katerina Nash (Luna)
Heading into Sunday, the USGP leaders’ jerseys belong to Tim Johnson (Elite Men), Georgia Gould (Women), Danny Summerhill (U23), Luke Keough (Juniors).
The Mercer Cup presented by Knapp’s Cyclery is the second stop of the US Gran Prix of Cyclocross presented by Crank Brothers -- the premier cyclocross series in the United States. The six race series attracts the best racers from across North America who compete for the series overall championship and an automatic USA Cycling world championship berth. For more information on the USGP, visit www.usgpcyclocross.com.