Vandekinderen Takes Win at HPCX in Sprint Finish, Maximenko Doubles Down on the Weekend: Full Results

Maximenko rides into the sand on the first lap. © Andrew Reimann / Cyclocross Magazine

While the climbs proved to be the deciding factor on Day 1 of HPCX, Day 2 would be heavily influenced by the addition of two sand pits. While the course had a different flow, many of the same racers would find themselves vying for podium positions on Day Two.

In the Elite Women’s race, Cassie Maximenko (Van Dessel/Ism/Powerbar/Challenge) once again took the holeshot and would continue to lead for the majority of the race. The first separation of the field occurred when the racers hit the sand pits on lap one, allowing Maximenko, Kathleen Lysakowski (Joe’s Garage Cx P/B Bikereg) and BrittLee Bowman (House Ind/Withings/Simplehuman) to open up a gap on the field. They would continue to grow the gap throughout the majority of the race, with Kathryn Cumming chasing in fourth, unable to bridge to the leaders as she found trouble in the sand pits.

Kathleen Lysakowski lost in a close sprint on Day Two. © Andrew Reimann / Cyclocross Magazine

Bowman found herself dangling from the lead group and with one lap to go, Maximenko and Lysakowski were able to make a decisive split. Lysakowski led through the sand on the final lap, but Maximenko would come around on the dirt climb. She was able to hold the first position coming into the final turn, leading out the uphill sprint against Lysakowski and taking her second victory in as many days. Bowman would hold her gap on the chasers, coming in solo for third.

In the Men’s Elite Race, another tightly contested race with a big pack was decided by an attack in the late laps as Cameron Dodge (unattached) and Jens Vandekinderen (Kalas H.Essers Nnof Cycling Team) broke away from a strong group.

Vandekinderen and Robert Marion head into the first of the two sand pits. © Andrew Reimann / Cyclocross Magazine

For much of the meat of the race, Vandekinderen and Robert Marion (American Classic Pro Cx Team) were trading pulls at the front with a large group of eight following, including last week’s double podium finisher Travis Livermon (Mock Orange Cyclocross), Eric Thompson (Hed Cycling Products) and Dan Timmermon (Stan’s Notues Elite CX).

In the final laps Dodge pulled for most of the time while Vandekinderen seemed on the verge of pouncing. The Belgian waited until the final stair climb to attack, and was able to outsprint Dodge to the finish in a thrilling ride. Livermon came in to finish third.

Cameron Dodge came in second with Livermon in third at HPCX Race, Day Two. © Andrew Reimann / Cyclocross Magazine

2015 HPCX Women's Race, Day Two

2015 HPCX Men's Race, Day Two