Plaxton, Gould Win Subaru Cup Pro XCT

Max Plaxton and Georgia Gould continued to stamp their authority on the American cross-country series with wins at the Subaru Cup Pro XCT on Saturday.

Part of the Wisconsin Off-Road Series, the Subaru Cup Pro XCT at Mt. Morris is one of the liveliest venues on the circuit. And as always the crowds were on hand to see Plaxton (Specialized Racing) continue his hold over the Pro XCT overall.

As it turned out, round 5 of USA Cycling’s cross-country national series turned out to be a battle between Canadians — Plaxton and Geoff Kabush (Maxxis-Rocky Mountain). Reigning U.S. national champ Todd Wells (Specialized) was in the lead group as well along with Adam Craig (Rabobank-Giant). U23 standout Stephen Ettinger was also in the mix as the lead group diced things up over the course.

It wasn’t until near the end of the race on the the fifth lap that the Canadians started to gap Wells, who didn’t have the power to hang on. On the sixth and final lap Plaxton attacked his compatriot so he would be able to solo on the course’s final punchy climbs. Wells finished third; Craig fourth and Ettinger fifth.

With his win at the Subaru Cup, Plaxton this year has won at Fontana and Mellow Johnny’s Classic. He is leading the Pro XCT going into the series’ last race — the Missoula Montana XC — on July 23.

Women’s Race

Georgia Gould (Luna Pro Team) put on a clinic on Saturday as she got on the front of the race and soon put on a minute-plus gap on the chasers.

Subaru-Trek’s Emily Batty out-paced Lea Davison (Specialized) for second. Batty’s teammate Heather Irmiger finished fourth despite a cast on her hand. Kelli Emmett (Giant Offroad) finished fifth.