Vittoria Series Concludes with 2017 NBX Gran Prix of ‘Cross in Rhode Island – Preview, Start Lists

WARWICK, R.I.—The finale of the Vittoria Northeast Cyclocross Series presented by Clif Bar and Cycle-Smart will be held in Warwick, R.I Dec. 2-3 at the NBX Gran Prix of ‘Cross. Goddard Memorial State Park will host the final two rounds on a course that is the essence of cyclocross in New England: technical turns, rooty descents, and legendary beach sections. The Elite UCI races on Sat. and Sun. showcase the fourth and final weekend of the Vittoria Series and are part of USA Cycling’s Professional Cyclocross Calendar (ProCX).

After a weekend of muddy conditions and fierce winds in Suffern N.Y. at Supercross Cup, the current Elite leaders of the Vittoria Series are Cannondale p/b Cyclocrossworld.com siblings Curtis and Emma White of Delanson, N.Y. Emma currently sits third in the ProCX women’s standings, which is led by teammate Katie Keough. Curtis has moved to fourth place overall for the men in ProCX standings. The Vittoria Series overall winner in 2016, Curtis will seek to defend his title in the finale this weekend. Emma will not be in attendance in R.I., as she prepares for her European campaign. Cassie Maximenko (VanDessel/Atom Composite Wheels) could overtake Emma in the battle for the jersey, as she is currently third in the Vittoria Series standings, only 65 points from the top position.

“NBX is one of my favorite events of the year,” said Maximenko, who is from Watertown, Conn. “It offers a fun and diverse course unlike any other in the ProCX series. It’s known for its epic sand, but I really love the twisty, rooty sections in the woods. You have to keep your focus and remain light on the pedals, picking good lines while still laying down the power. I had a great training block over the holiday weekend, so I’m looking forward coming into the last seven weeks of my cyclocross season strong and fresh.”

Cassie Maximenko is looking for a strong finish in Rhode Island. © Chris McIntosh / Cyclocross Magazine

Coming off of an outstanding 12th place finish at the World Cup race in Zeven, Germany, Rebecca Fahringer (Stan’s NoTubes p/b Maxxis/gofahr) is motivated to be racing back in New England. “I am just now getting back from some travel to Denmark and Germany for the World Cups,” said Fahringer. “I am very happy to be able to race so close to home this weekend. I have always liked the NBX course, even though the roots have always been intimidating but I am happy to be running tubeless this year so I can basically worry less about the less rooty route and more about the fastest line.”

U23 Canadian National Champion Ruby West (Cannondale p/b Cyclocross.com) heads into the weekend after a mid-season break to reset before the next part of the season. “I’m hoping to still be competitive at the front of the race,” said West. “This will be one of my last North American races of the year, before heading down south to Tucson to prepare for the world championships, so I’m hoping to close it out on a high note.”

Ruby West and Cassie Maximenko are looking to repeat their podium finish from Day 2 of the SuperCross Cup. 2017 SuperCross Cup Day 2. photo: Marco Quezada.

And of course, don’t count out Arley Kemmerer (Fearless Femme Racing). After racing both European World Cups with a serious sinus infection, the Pennsylvania native is looking to be race ready by the weekend. “I’m looking to try and get fully recovered, rested and back to racing healthy. I love NBX and wouldn’t consider skipping it,” said Kemmerer.

For the Elite Men, Curtis White is looking to conclude the Series with the overall win. “I’m really looking forward to heading back to Warwick to wrap up the Vittoria Series! It’s a beautiful venue, Matt Bodziony (race director) and his crew do a great job in using all of the features of the park. The course is always exciting and challenging, and it’s a high caliber race close to home. It’s nice coming into the weekend with the jersey. I’ve been making strides in my form over the last month or so, I want to continue to see improvement on that front.”

Curtis White is looking to retain the leader’s jersey and win the Vittoria Series. 2017 Northampton International Day 2. © Chris McIntosh

Currently second in the Vittoria Series, Justin Lindine (Apex / NBX / Hyperthreads) will look to maintain that spot in front of a hometown crowd. The New England native has strong ties to the region even after moving to Ogden, U.T. several years ago. “Being sponsored by NBX and Vittoria, this race is an awesome weekend to compete in front of so many of the people that make my racing possible, so I really appreciate that opportunity and always try to have a good race in Warwick,” said Lindine. “I’ve raced the course at NBX in bone-dry conditions and seriously muddy ones, too, and it always manages to make for an exciting racing and good battles. With the water on the lower part of the course, the long sand section and the famous carousel building tucked into the giant pines, I find it to definitely be one of the more beautiful and iconic New England cross venues as well.”

Additional Elite Men to watch include Eric Thompson (M Speed Wax), Max Judelson (Voler/Clif/HRS/Rock Lobster), and Dan Chabanov (House Ind/Nokia Health/simplehuman).

NBX Gran Prix of ‘Cross will also decide the U23 Vittoria Series competition. For the U23 Women, West is currently second, only twenty points behind teammate White. Sophie Russenberger (DaHÄNGER) remains in contention in third, thirty-five points behind the leader.

For the U23 Men, Cooper Willsey (Cannondale p/b Cyclocrossworld.com) currently leads but will not be in attendance in Warwick, leaving the door open for up and coming riders to claim the jersey. Nick Lando (Hands-On Cycling) sits in second, only twenty points behind Willsey, and Andrew Borden (X-Men) in third, fifty-seven points down.

For more information on the Vittoria Series visit necyclocross.com. Follow live coverage on Twitter by following @VittoriaSeries and @USACProCX.

Start lists are current as of 11 a.m. Eastern on Thursday, November 30. Registration closes Thursday evening. 

Women's Start LIst: 2017 NBX Gran Prix of 'Cross

Men's Start List: 2017 NBX Gran Prix of 'Cross