WILLISTON, Vermont – A pair of Jericho, Vermont natives struck gold in duplicate this weekend as Jamey Driscoll (Cannondale/Leer/Cyclocrossworld.com) and Amy Dombroski (Velo Bella-Kona) won the men and women’s races respectively at this weekend’s Green Mountain Cyclo-Cross Weekend, the first stop of the 2008 Verge New England Championship Cyclo-Cross Series.
Dombroski, now residing in Boulder, Colorado, showed why she is the current 2-time under 23 national champion by walking away from a solid field of New England’s best. On Saturday, the only rider to be able to hold on to her pace was fellow Jericho native and mountain bike stalwart Lea Davison (Trek/VW), but eventually Davison could not hold the pace and Dombroski dispensed her on the way to win #1. The best of the rest was led by Rebecca Wellons (Ridley) in 3rd. Day 2 saw New England’s best give it their best shot, and Wellons and Maureen Bruno Roy (MM Racing) were able to draw back Dombroski at the beginning of the race after several attacks from Dombroski. But the multiple efforts took their toll and Dombroski was able to hang on for win #2 with Wellons and Bruno Roy taking 2nd and 3rd respectively.
Driscoll, fresh off a win in Pennsylvania the week before, had to contend with a small but potent field as last year’s series runner up Chris Jones (Louis Garneau), Osmond Baker (Stevens Cross), Matt White (BikeReg.com/Joe’s Garage), Adam Myerson (Cycle-Smart) lined-up beside him. Saturday’s start was perfect for Driscoll, as he got into the first group on lap 1 and then powered away from everyone to win handily. White won the best of the rest battle over Jones to take 2nd on the day. Sunday would not come so easy, as Dan Timmerman (Team RACE Pro) would dart away from the field and gain up to a 40 second lead at one time. But Driscoll and Jones tag teamed to peck away at a tiring Timmerman’s lead, only to catch on the beginning of the last lap. A duel then ensued as punch was met with counterpunch. Timmerman found his second win to catch up to a surging Driscoll and leave Jones behind, and the 2 riders led to the end, where Driscoll’s home course experience told him when to deliver the knockout blow to secure the win. Jones held on for his second 3rd place finish on the weekend.
The largest and most competitive field of the weekend was the elite masters, and Jonny Bold (Corner Cycles) showed why he is one the best cross riders in the country by winning a match sprint with mid-Atlantic powerhouse Roger Aspholm (Westwood Velo) on day 1. 2007 series runner-up Kevin Hines (Corner Cycles) came in 3rd to lead the 45+ contingent. Both Bold and Aspholm were in the mix as well on day 2, but fourth time was the charm for Mark McCormack (Team FUJI) as no mechanicals were stopping him from getting the win over Aspholm and Bold.
The under 19 juniors were once again led by current national champion Luke Keough (CLNoonan/KAM/Coast-to-Coast), who torched the field by winning both days by over a minute each day. Manny Goguen (Minuteman Road Club) came in 2nd both days, while Luke’s brother and teammate Jesse took 3rd on Saturday. Ontario native Conor O’Brien (Ride with Rendall) had a super day to take the bronze on Sunday.
The 2008 Verge New England Championship Cyclo-Cross Series is brought to you by Verge Sport, makers of fine cycling clothing and products since 1993; by Cycle-Smart, purveyors of personalized cycling coaching and solutions for riders across the country; by Cycle-Ops, makers of high-tech accessories to meet any indoor training plans; by Echappe, rent-to-own the latest in race wheels – try before you buy at Echappe; by BikeReg.com, the official online registration service of the NECCS; and by Paul Weiss Photo/Video, the official photographer of the NECCS. You can visit these sponsors and get more information on the series by going to the web at http://www.necyclocross.com.
