October 24/10 22:24 pm - USGP Derby City Cup: Day 2

Posted by Editoress on 10/24/10
 

Gould Repeats, Powers Gallops Away at Day Two of the USGP Derby CIty Cup

t was another windy and dusty day at Louisville's Eva Bandman Park as racers faced off for tough day of fast, aggressive racing at the Greenware US Gran Prix of Cyclocross Derby City Cup presented by Papa John's.  In a near repeat of Day One, Georgia Gould (LUNA) stormed away from a strong women's field on the first lap, while on the men's side it was Cannondale rider Jeremy Powers swapping places with previous day's winner Tim Johnson to tear off the front of the field with Ryan Trebon (KONA) in what was ultimately a two man battle for the top step of the podium.

Gould made the blistering pace look easy as she romped away from the women's field on lap one.  The sand dunes were once again the undoing of her rivals as Gould raced through the sand while her pursuers bobbled through.  The chaos behind was all Gould needed to open what was ultimately and insurmountable gap. Each lap she put time into the field while Natasha Elliott chased by Teal Stetson-Lee, Laura Van Guilder, Meredith Miller and Nicole Duke.  Eventually Elliott was caught and dropped as Miller and Van Guilder powered away.  Miller capitalized on a late, second to last lap mistake by Van Guilder - knowing that if it came down to a sprint if would likely go Van Guilder's way.  Gould, with a 90 second lead- soloed in with time to sit up and salute.  Miller came in for second and Van Guilder slightly further back for third. Miller's determined riding earned her SRAM Most Aggressive Rider honors while Gould tightened her grip on the Series Leader's Jersey.

In the men's race the pace was high from the start with Powers, Trebon, Johnson, Jesse Anthony, Danny Summerhill, Geoff Kabush and Chris Jones establishing an early leading group.  Powers went clear early with Trebon and Johnson chasing.  When Johnson faded back, Trebon pushed the pace with Powers glued to his wheel.  Finally with four laps to go, Powers made the decisive move, riding clear of Trebon on one of the steep slopes while behind Trebon and Johnson looked to be loosing steam.  Davide Frattini rode a strong race, earning him a fourth place finish and the SRAM Most Aggressive Rider Award.   Today's results left Johnson and Powers tied on points for the Series lead - and with the tie-breaker going to the most recent winner Powers took back the Jersey. 

The next stop of the Greenware US Gran Prix of Cyclocross is the New Belgium Cup in Fort Collins, CO.