Timmerman, McConneloug Tops at NBX Gran Prix – Brief Report and Full Results

By Jake Sisson

Dan Timmerman and Mary McConneloug look like strong favorites to take home their respective Verge New England Cyclocross Championships Series titles after each took home strong victories at day one of the NBX Gran Prix in Warwick, Rhode Island. Rain and cold made for miserable conditions, and much of the course turned to a greasy mud pit. Crashes and mechanicals were common, and it was Timmerman and McConneloug who were able to best navigate the treacherous course.

The drama in the men’s race began early on, when podium contender Justin Lindine (Bikereg.com/Joe’s Garage/IF) crashed only minutes into the race, taking Timmerman with him. Timmerman was relegated to the bottom quarter of the field while Lindine found himself dead last. Ahead, Adam Myerson (Cycle-Smart) and Luke Keough (Champion Systems) forged ahead, hoping to capitalize on their advantageous position. Before long, however, Timmerman began to work his way through the pack and found himself on the wheel of Myerson, Keough and Timmerman’s teammate, Josh Dillon. Not be outdone,  Lindine soon arrived at the front, but not in time to stay with Timmerman, who sensed his presence and took off on his own.

Timmerman extended his lead with every pedal stroke, while Myerson and Lindine, who dispatched first Dillon and then Keough, did battle until the race’s final straightaway. Myerson, a sprinter of some merit, led Lindine into the final turn, taking the sprint for second. Behind, Dillon, who had faded at first, rediscovered his legs and managed to catch and pass Keough for fourth. Timmerman, however, was the man of the hour, further extending his lead in the NECCS overall standings, a lead which he had already put beyond any challenge before the weekend had even started.

The women’s race was settled with significantly less drama than the men’s event. It only took Mary McConneloug half a lap to distance the rest of the women’s field, escaping for her sixth victory of the year. Behind, Laura Van Gilder (C3 – Athletes Serving Athletes) and Andrea Smith (Minuteman Road Club) were the two strongest challengers, and rode together for the better half of the race. Van Gilder’s power eventually proved too strong for Smith, and Van Gilder was able to inch away for a silver medal. Smith valiantly hung on for third. After grabbing the holeshot, Anna Barensfeld (Minuteman Road Club) rode a fantastic race to hold on to fourth, just ahead of Gesa Brickman (Stevens Racing Team), who moved up through the field for fifth.

Elite Men’s Results

Elite Women’s Results

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