Trebon and Gould Win Races and 2007 US Gran Prix of Cyclocross Series Titles at the – USGP Toyota Portland Cup
by Ed Donovan
December 2, 2007 (Portland, OR) – On a day with freezing rain and wind gusts of 50 mph, Ryan Trebon (Kona-YourKey) and Georgia Gould (Luna) each won their respective races and the 2007 US Gran Prix of Cyclocross presented by Crank Brothers series championships at the Toyota Portland Cup in Portland, OR. The series win is Trebon’s second consecutive USGP title and third of his career. For Gould, this is her first USGP crown.
In the other divisions, the 2007 US Gran Prix of Cyclocross series champions are: U23 – Jamey Driscoll (FiordiFrutta); JUNIORS – Luke Keough (CLNoonan); MASTERS 35+ – Richard Feldman (Durance Cycleworks – Lehman Brothers)
Elite Men
After yesterday’s victory, Tim Johnson (Cannondale/Leer/Cyclocrossworld.com) held a slim four point lead over Ryan Trebon (Kona YourKey.com) in the overall standings. After five contests it was virtually a winner take all scenario on the series’ final day. All hype and speculation ended after the gun as Trebon took the hole shot and never looked back. Trebon, who at one point held a lead of over a minute, completely dominated the field. Johnson was very strong today but was unable to close on Trebon after his explosive start. Johnson, who battled Barry Wicks (Kona YourKey.com) and Todd Wells (GT) for second place for a good part of the race, was able to slowly pull away to finish second. For Trebon, the title is his second consecutive USGP Championship and third of his career (2004, 2006 and 2007). The SRAM Most Aggressive Rider in the Men’s field was Andy Jacques Maynes (Calif. Giant Berry Farms). Jacques Maynes, just few months removed from a horrific crash that made his return to competitive cycling questionable, began the race in the fourth row and finished in 10th place.
Elite Women
After yesterday’s convincing victory, Georgia Gould (Luna) entered the final race with the series title locked up. After witnessing her performance today, the Luna rider looked like she was riding with something else to prove. In typical fashion, it was Katie Compton (Spike Shooter) dominating the start of the race. She was able to get a gap on the field and take a sizable lead. Gould kept working and slowly brought Compton back. When Gould finally caught her, the Luna rider hit the gas and Compton could not respond. Katerina Nash (Luna) also continued her aggressive riding today. Nash, who started once again in the third row, was able to power her way to catch Compton and finished in second. Compton, who was not on the top of her game today, abandoned the race due to the nasty weather conditions. Compton was not the only woman forced out by the weather. Defending USGP champion Lyne Bessette took a bad spill into a huge puddle and could not continue racing. Rounding out the podium on the day was Alison Sydor (Rocky Mountain Haywood), who continued her impressive rookie ‘cross season with third place on the day and second place overall finish for the series. The USGP Overall Series Title is the first for Gould.
U23
The U23 battle began much like it did yesterday with Bjorn Selander (Ridley) riding a very strong first lap and getting a gap on the U23 field. However, his lead was short lived as series leader Jamey Driscoll (FiordiFrutta) kept the motor going and never let Selander out of his sight. Driscoll finally caught Selander on the third lap, powered past him and never looked back. Danny Summerhill (Clif Bar) battled with Adam McGrath for much of the race but was able to get a gap and finish third. Driscoll, showing his strength, took the U23 win, the overall USGP Series Championship AND also finished 6th overall in the Elite Men’s field for the second time this weekend.
Juniors
Luke Keough (CLNoonan Coast to Coast KAM) bounced back from his third place finish yesterday with a spectacular ride today. Keough pounded the entire field with a brilliant solo win and took the 2007 USGP Junior Championship. The battle for second place came down to a sprint where Simon Lambert Lamay (HotTubes) bested Jacob Rathe (Redline) for second place.
Masters 35+
In the Masters 35+ it was local rider Doug Reid (Veloce Cycles Portland) who rounded out a great weekend of riding with a victory today. Reid was on the podium on Saturday with a third place finish. Gannon Myall (California Giant Berry Farms/Specialized) finished in second. But the story in the Masters 35+ field is Richard Feldman (Durance Cycleworks – Lehman Brothers) who finished third today but takes home the USGP Masters 35+ Series Championship.
Notes
* The SRAM Most Aggressive Riders were Elite Men: Andy Jacques Maynes (Calif. Giant Berry Farms) and Women: Emily Van Meter (River City Cycling)
About the US Gran Prix of Cyclocross presented by Crank Brothers
The Toyota Portland Cup is part of the US Gran Prix of Cyclocross presented by Crank Brothers — the premier cyclocross series in the United States. The six race series attracts the best racers from across North America who compete for the series overall championship and an automatic USA Cycling world championship berth. For more information on the USGP, visit www.usgpcyclocross.com.
The US Gran Prix of Cyclocross presented by Crank Brothers kicked off October 27 – 28 in Louisville, Kentucky with the Papa John’s Derby City Cup presented by Toyota. The second stop was the USGP Mercer Cup presented by Knapp’s Cyclery in West Windsor, NJ on November 17-18. The series returns to Portland, Oregon for the fourth consecutive year for the Toyota Portland Cup on December 1-2.
Contact Info: Ed Donovan, 610-220-1441, [email protected]
