Published September 21, 2013 07:09PM
Jeremy Powers (Rapha-Focus) and Elle Anderson (Cal Giant-Specialized) won the men’s and women’s races at the Trek CXC Cup on Saturday.
The cyclocross race took place on the grounds of Trek Bicycle’s headquarters in Waterloo, Wisconsin.
Taking second to Powers was Ryan Trebon (Cannondale-Cyclocrossworld.com), while Ben Berden (Raleigh-Clement) placed third. On the women’s side, Gabby Day (Rapha-Focus) finished second and Caroline Mani (Raleigh-Clement) was third.
Powers was part of a strong lead group early in the men’s race that also included Tim Johnson (Cannondale), and Yannick Eckman (Cal Giant). Powers and Trebon traded turns at the front midway through the race, but Powers reassumed control a short while later.
With about three laps to go, Powers led the race with Berden, who was following on his wheel. The duo had built up a sizeable lead over the field and just before they hit the two laps to go point, Powers attacked.
Berden followed and stayed on Powers’ wheel, but the effort cost him. Seconds later, Berden looked down at his bike and dropped back. It appeared he might have a mechanical problem, but when he rode past the pits it was clear that the hard effort to stay with Powers had cost him.
Powers rode solo the rest of the way and easily cruised to the victory.
Anderson was in the front group on the opening lap but by the time the next lap began, she was in front of the field. She continued to build her lead over the next few laps, at one point holding a gap of around 17 seconds.
Over the final two laps, however, Anderson’s chasers rode hard to bridge the gap. They made a valiant effort to reel her in, but Day and Mani were unable to close the full distance, fighting winds most of the race.
Anderson emerged from the dirt and sprinted on the pavement to the finish line, raising her arm in triumph after a dominating solo effort.
Nine-time U.S. champion Katie Compton (Trek Cyclocross Collective) did not start the women’s race after coming down with an illness.