Race Preview: Vittoria Series Continues This Weekend with 2017 SuperCross Cup in New York

SUFFERN, N.Y.—The third of four race weekends in the Vittoria Northeast Cyclocross Series presented by Clif Bar and Cycle-Smart will be November 18-19 as racers travel to Suffern, N.Y. for Rockland County SuperCross Cup. After a successful debut last year in a new location, Supercross returns to the “World Cup-style” venue at Rockland Community College that features rolling hills, tricky off-cambers, and clenching descents that tested even the most steely-nerved cyclocross racers.

After a weekend of fierce competition in Massachusetts at the Verge Northampton International, 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 second in the USA Cycling Professional Cyclocross Calendar (ProCX) women’s standings, right behind teammate Katie Keough. Curtis remains in sixth place for the men in ProCX standings. While Curtis will be a force to be reckoned with at SuperCross this weekend, his sister Emma will not be in attendance as she kicks off her European campaign.

Curtis White is currently leading the charge in the Men’s Vittoria series. 2017 Derby City Cup. © D. Perker / Cyclocross Magazine

Canadian U23 National Champion Ruby West will lead the Cannondale p/b Cyclocrossworld.com charge for the Elite Women at SuperCross Cup. “This will be my first time racing Supercross,” said West, “so I’m super excited for this weekend. I’ve heard it’s a pretty physically tough course with a lot of pedaling and I think there’s some rain in the forecast, which apparently made things interesting last year, so I’ve got my fingers crossed for that. I have some added confidence coming off of my ride on Sunday at Northampton. It was so cool to be battling at the front of that race, especially with Emma, that was really special and fun.”

West finished second to teammate Emma White on Sunday in Northampton “It will be a different race this weekend without her there, but I know there will still be lots of competition, especially with Christel (Ferrier Bruneau) racing, so I think it will be a really exciting weekend of racing.”

Ruby West is one of the riders to watch at SuperCross this weekend. 2017 Jingle Cross. photo: Wil Matthews Photo

West mentioned fellow Canadian, and newly-awarded National Champion Christel Ferrier-Bruneau (SAS-Macogep), who is certainly a rider to watch. Recently finishing third at the Pan-American Championships, Ferrier-Bruneau is continuing on a strong campaign this season.

“I’m glad to come to SuperCross Cup this weekend. It’s the first time I will do this race. I heard it was a great race with a good organization,” Ferrier Bruneau said. “And this race will be a good training before the next World Cup in Germany. I’m really happy with the shape of the beginning of the season and I hope it will continue in Europe for the World Cup and World Championships.”

Additional Elite Women to watch include Cassie Maximenko (VanDessel/Atom Composite Wheels), Kathryn Cumming (Jalepeno Cycling), and Julie Wright (Team Averica).

For the Elite Men, Curtis White will aim to defend his Vittoria Series lead and his 2016 SuperCross Cup win. “I’m really looking forward to racing in my home state again,” said White. “New York’s SuperCross is a race with a lot of history and prestige, Myles (Romanow) and his crew do a great job putting on a fantastic event. I liked the new venue in Suffern last year. I’m glad we’ll be returning there again. It looks like some big names are showing up. Jeremy Powers and Kerry Werner are the two guys I need to watch.”

White will have to watch out for the experience and skill of Aspire Racing’s Jeremy Powers, who is fourth in the Vittoria Series, and Kerry Werner (Kona Factory CX Team). “I took a weekend off after the Derby City Cup to regroup and put a little training in so I am feeling refreshed and looking forward to hitting the road after some time at home.,” said Werner, who sits third in the national ProCX standings and makes his debut in the Vittoria Series. “It looks like a good chance of rain on Saturday, which suits me just fine. I am always up for a wet and wild time.”

Kerry Werner is always up for a wet and wild time. 2017 Derby City Cup. © D. Perker / Cyclocross Magazine

Other riders to watch in the Elite Men’s race include Justin Lindine (Apex / NBX / Hyperthreads), who is third overall in the Vittoria Series, and Cooper Willsey (Cannondale p/b Cyclocrossworld.com).

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 Noon, EST on Thursday, November 16.

Women's Start List: 2017 SuperCross Cup

Men's Start List: 2017 SuperCross Cup