jhanscom posted on December 11, 2007 16:39
December 1, 2007 (Portland, OR) – Tim Johnson (Cannondale/Leer/Cyclocrossworld.com) and Georgia Gould (Luna) each powered their way to a victory today and the series overall leads as the US Gran Prix of Cyclocross enters its final weekend at the Toyota Portland Cup in Portland, OR.
As expected, the weather was a significant factor. In the words of US Gran Prix of Cyclocross announcer extraordinaire Richard Fries…“It was a bad day for everything except cyclocross.” The bone-chilling wintry mix of snow, wind, mud and rain made it messy but seemed to be a magnet for the Portland crowds who turned out 6,000 strong.
The story today was the weather, big crowds and, by far, the best racing of the series which is a testament to the strength and overall depth of racing that now exists in North American cyclocross.
Elite Men
At the beginning of the day, Ryan Trebon (Kona – YourKey) held the lead in the elite men’s field by a mere six points over Tim Johnson (Cannondale/Leer/Cyclocrossworld.com). Johnson, who is known to excel in the slop and muddy conditions, was up for the challenge and did not disappoint with a dominating performance today. Johnson put up lap times a full minute faster than any other category on the muddy course today and seemed to get stronger as the race continued. With the win, Johnson regains the leader’s jersey he held until Trebon wrested it away in New Jersey. Trebon, who was running second for most of the race, had to withstand a late attack by Todd Wells (GT) who caught Trebon with 200 meters to go in the race. Trebon won the sprint to finish second and holds a close second to Johnson overall. As if it was planned, the men’s race will be decided tomorrow on the last day of the series.
Elite Women
At the series’ last stop in Mercer County NJ, Georgia Gould took both wins and the leader’s jersey heading into Portland. The Luna rider proved today that her New Jersey sweep was no fluke as she powered her way to victory over Katie Compton and the entire women’s field. At the beginning of the race Compton was able to take a lead but could not lose Gould who was able to keep the number two ranked rider in the world in her sights. Gould was slightly better handling in the technical sections and was able to catch Compton and eventually pulled past her. Gould finished with a 23 second margin over Compton and keeps the leader’s jersey going into the series finale. There was a battle for second place as Compton was caught by Katerina Nash (Luna) but eventually fought her off to finish second. Nash who rounded out the podium in third, again showed great determination as she started in the second row and fought her way to the podium.
U23
To witness the quality and depth of riding in US cyclocross, you need not look any further than the U23 category. Jamey Driscoll (FiordiFrutta), the eventual U23 winner and category leader, finished 6th overall in the Elite Men’s field. Danny Summerhill (Clif Bar) battled his way for a second place finish. Bjorn Selander (Ridley), who finished third, actually led the entire Elite men’s field after the first lap.
Notes
The USGP leaders’ jersey’s belong to Johnson (Elite Men), Gould (Women), Driscoll (U23), Luke Keough (Juniors), Richard Feldman (Masters 35+)
The SRAM Most Aggressive Riders were Elite Men: Tim Johnson and Women: Wendy Williams (River City Cycling)
The forecast for tomorrow is hard rain and gusty winds which should make for an epic finale to what has been and incredible series.