Race Preview: The Vittoria Series Returns with Year 27 of Verge Northampton International p/b Cycle-Smart

NORTHAMPTON, Mass.—The Verge Northampton International presented by Cycle-Smart returns to Look Park in Northampton, Mass. for its 27th year. The second of four race weekends in the Vittoria Northeast Cyclocross Series presented by Clif Bar, Northampton remains the oldest UCI race in the U.S. and a racer favorite.

Racing will feature the top elite riders from across North America. For the women, the rider to watch is U23 Pan-American Champion and last year’s race winner Emma White (Cannondale p/b Cyclocrossworld.com). White currently sits in third overall in the USA Cycling ProCX women’s standings and is tied for the Vittoria Series lead with Aspire Racing’s Ellen Noble, who will not be racing in Northampton this weekend but will be volunteering with the JAM Fund at the event.

White hopes to come into the weekend recovered from a crash at the Derby City Cup that resulted in several stitches in her knee. “This past weekend in Louisville was draining on many levels,” noted White, “This week will consist of mostly recovering. My knee is definitely on the mend but I need to be careful not to overwork it. I’m really looking forward to a race close to home and having my family there. Northampton has always been one of my favorites. It’s the perfect end to this block of racing before heading to Europe for a couple weeks in December.”

Emma White is hoping to continue her Vittoria Series success. 2017 Pan-American Championships. © D. Perker / Cyclocross Magazine

Challenging White will be Rebecca Fahringer (Stan’s NoTubes p/b Maxxis/gofahr). “This weekend I’m excited for some no-pressure racing to keep my skills up before I make my first trip over to Europe this year. Derby City went well because I went in with no expectations and had the opportunity to have fun and relax. Northampton was my first UCI race ever back in 2013 and though I haven’t been for two years, I still remember the course and it feels comfortable and familiar. Combine that with friends on the sidelines and I know it will be fast and fun racing.”

Other riders to watch include Arley Kemmerer (Fearless Femme Racing), Cassie Maximenko (VanDessel/Atom Composite Wheels), Canadian U23 National Champion Ruby West (Cannondale p/b Cyclocrossworld.com) and Natasha Elliot (Garneau – Easton p/b Transitions LifeCare).

For the Elite Men, returning to Look Park this year will be National Champion and Pan-American winner Stephen Hyde (Cannondale p/b Cyclocrossworld.com). “It’s been a few years since I have raced Noho and I am really excited to make a comeback. Look Park is such a special place for me. It’s a park that I spend Mondays in the summer with the NCC team playing with kids during Kids Cross. It’s a place I love to ride through in the fall to see the leaves in full color change. Racing here is special and it always leaves its mark on me.”

Stephen Hyde will be racing at NoHo before heading to Europe. 2017 Derby City Cup. © D. Perker / Cyclocross Magazine

Curtis White (Cannondale p/b Cyclocrossworld.com) will look to defend his two wins from 2016. He currently is ranked sixth in the ProCX standings on the men’s side and third overall in the Vittoria Series standings. “I’m really excited to be back racing in Northampton this weekend,” he said. “Adam (Myerson) and his crew do a great job of putting on a top notch event and are always looking for ways to make it better. Hyde will be racing on Saturday, so we’ll be able to race with some team tactics to make sure Cannondale is on the top step. Repeating last year’s wins and coming away with the Vittoria Series leaders jersey are both goals for the weekend.”

Curtis White is looking to bounce back after being ill last weekend. 2017 Derby City Cup. © D. Perker / Cyclocross Magazine

Racers to watch include Anthony Clark (Squid Squad) and Justin Lindine (Apex / NBX / Hyperthreads).

Returning for a second year is WorldTour road cyclist Joe Dombroski. “I’m looking forward to racing in Northampton again this year, as I did last year,” said Dombroski. “It’s a cool area and Adam (Myerson) puts on a really great event. I’ve done a couple cyclocross races this off-season just sort of dabbling around for fun. I was going to be in Boston this coming weekend so I figured it would be fun to jump in. I don’t have any real expectations, but I’m looking forward to it!”

The course for 2017 remains similar to previous editions and will retain the new chute from 2016 on Sunday. A few minor tweaks and additions will increase flow and minimize bottlenecks, encouraging fast and fun racing. “We ran from our ‘grass criterium’ reputation for many years,” said race president Adam Myerson, “and while we’ve added many new technical features, we still want to encourage exciting group racing with opportunities for attacks and small sprint finishes. Our course is fast even when it’s wet, and we think riders have a lot of fun if we maximize that.”

In addition to exciting racing, don’t miss the food truck festival. A number of local food trucks will be on site including Holyoke Hummus Company, Sun Kim Bop, Bistro Bus, Chanterelle To Go, Gypsyjoe coffee and Damn Yankees BBQ. All will be serving up warm food and beverages and some super sweet treats. The JAM Fund will also be serving up fundraiser sausages and fries.

For more information on the Vittoria Series visit necyclocross.com.

Women's Start List: 2017 Cycle-Smart Northampton Invitational

Men's Start List: 2017 Cycle-Smart Northampton Invitational