Ryan Trebon Blasts to Victory at a Muddy USGP Fort Collins Day 1

Ryan Trebon won with Geoff Kabush in second and Jeremy Powers in third. © Rick Crawford

By: Grant Berry

Ryan Trebon (LTS-Felt) was the victor in the third round of the USGP, a race fought in difficult cold and rainy conditions. Trebon used his power and consistent bike handling to win the race in front of Geoff Kabush (Maxxis-Rocky Mountain) and Jeremy Powers (Rapha-Focus).

After racers were greeted with mild dry and dusty conditions during their course recons on Friday, they awoke to a steady drizzle and temperatures that had dropped some 20 degrees overnight. Trebon made the call to skip his traditional morning pre-ride, and elected to ride on his trainer in more controlled environment.

In what has become his trademark, Powers snapped off the line to grab the Avid Shorty Holeshot award, and quickly built a 15 second gap over the chasing group containing Ben Berden (Ops Ale-Stoemper), Trebon, Kabush, Troy Wells (Clif Bar), Jamey Driscoll (Cannodale/Cyclocrossworld.com), and 17 year old Yannick Eckmann (Pearl Izumi). With a starting spot in 30’s, Eckmann was able to quickly pick his way through the field and reach the lead group in an impressive show of handling and fitness.

By the end of lap 2, Trebon had made contact with Powers. Their differing styles each offered advantages; Powers was riding the run-up while, Trebon was scaling the stair-stepped flyover three steps at a time. Kabush was putting his own skills in the mud to maximum use, and was riding steadily and patiently in 3^rd while Wells, Driscoll, and Eckmann traded places behind.

The leading duo remained close until three laps to go, when Trebon applied the pressure and got a small gap which he stretched to 10 seconds by the end of the following lap. Although Powers was using his impressive handling skills to try and close the gap, Trebon’s power was a good match for the long power climbs of the undulating Fort Collins course.

With two to go Trebon had a comfortable gap, and the podium looked to be set. Kabush had other ideas and he continued to ride consistent laps as he caught and passed Powers and set his sights on the big man riding along out front.

Kabush was able to close within 20 or so seconds at the finish, with Powers crossing the line 58 seconds after Trebon to secure the final spot of the podium. Driscoll followed with U-23 series leader Eckmann rounding out the top five.

Find out what happened in the Elite Women’s race here.

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