November 14/10 23:22 pm - USGP New Belgium Cup: Day 2, Kabush 3rd

Posted by Editoress on 11/14/10
 

The Empire Strikes Back: Johnson, Compton Pound to Victory
More than 7,000 Pack Fort Collins Venue for Greenware® USGP in Fort Collins, Colorado

Reigning national champions Tim Johnson (Cennondale p/b Cyclocrossworld.com) and Katie Compton (Planet Bikes/Stevens) delivered simple declarative statements today, dominating each respective race in front of a massive Colorado crowd.

That Compton won is not news. Bouncing back from a second place ride on Saturday, Compton proved why she is a favorite not just for America but for the world. She withstood the opening attacks on the first lap and then delivered a single, first-round knockout punch that left all but Katerina Nash (Luna) on their backs.

Most impressive is that on her third lap, with Nash closing the gap, Compton delivered a 7:44 lap, at that time the fastest lap of the day for any rider of any gender or category. And she followed that up with the third fastest lap time of the day the following lap. Nash could never get close.

Compton rolled to the win ahead of Nash. Georgia Gould (Luna) finished third and retained the overall series lead. Nicole Duke (Hudz/Subaru) opened strong and held on for sixth place, scoring the SRAM Most Aggressive Rider honor.

The men's race saw a traditional opening blast from Jeremy Powers (Cannondale p/b Cyclocrossworld.com). From that sprung Ryan Trebon (Kona) on his own assault. Only one rider could attach to his wheel: Johnson.

"I was really worried because Ryan is really strong on those long sections," said Johnson afterward, noting he could barely contain Trebon.

Johnson clawed his way to the lead and applied pressure on Trebon throughout the second lap. Behind them, Powers, Todd Wells (Specialized/California Giant) and Geoff Kabush (Rocky Mountain/Maxxis) fought to reach the leaders to no avail.

Entering the third lap, Johnson pressed the pace intent on an hour-long struggle with Trebon. Then disaster struck for Trebon.

"I heard something but did not know what happened," said Johnson. What he did not see was Trebon ensnared in course team and going over his bike. The incident happened near the entrance to the pit, where Trebon did a bike change.

"I just heard 'GO! GO! GO! He's on the ground!' So I just went," said Johnson.

Trebon cracked and never saw Johnson again. Powers and Wells passed Trebon, who would dissolve behind Jamey Driscoll (Cannondale p/b Cyclocrossrworld.com), Troy Wells (Clif Bar) and Adam Craig (Rabobank/Giant).

Johnson attacked the course to create an insurmountable lead while Powers dueled with Wells. With three laps to go disaster struck for Wells while attempting to bunny-hop two barriers. The tall rider went over the bars hard, striking his face and injuring his leg. Powers, looking back at the carnage, pressed ahead. Wells withdrew.

Johnson cruised to victory; Powers finished second. Kabush surged into third and fended off late charges from both Driscoll and Craig.  Finishing in sixth, Troy Wells earned honors as the SRAM Most Aggressive Rider.

In the Under-23 category, the future of American 'cross shone brightly as Zach McDonald (Rapha/Focus) again dueled with Luke Keough (Champion Sponsors). McDonald took the day and the overall series lead. Cody Kaiser (Specialized/California Giant) rode strongly to finish third in that category.

press release