In typical Vegas style, Cross Vegas went off under bright lights with large crowds, punctuated by the energetic announcing styles of Dave Towle and Richard Fries. In the end, it was Katie Compton and James Driscoll (Cannondale/Cyclocrossworld) cashing their chips for the win, on what what was a fast non-technical course favoring a big engine.
In the women's race it was Katie Compton who soloed away, crushing the field as she hones her form for a trip to the European 'cross scene. Helen Wyman (Kona) started things off early with a solo move, and by the time the first lap was over Katerina Nash (Luna Chix) and Compton were on their way across.
The duo proved to be too much for Wyman, riding away from a shattered field. The winner would surely come between Compton and Nash, but the Czech rider went down after the run-up leaving Compton to solo in for the win. Nash held on for second with her Luna Chix teammate Georgia Gould coming third.
After the race Helen Wyman twittered, "Wow, that was dry. Can I say that again. Wow, that was dry. Never done anything like that before. But well done Katie, great ride."
A parade lap signaled the start of the seasons first UCI C1 'cross men's race, but Jeremy Powers (Cannondale/Cyclocrossworld) had other ideas and began the leg breaking session. He was quickly followed by Specialized teammates Todd Wells and Tim Johnson.
The blistering pace set the tone early on, splitting the race apart in the first two of what would be a 10 lap race. With the big names making the front and the initial move brought back, the king of Vegas since it's inception, Ryan Trebon (Kona), tested the waters for a third win. But the front group wasn't having any of that, making sure race's only winner to date stayed within reach.
It was the eventual second place finisher Chris Jones (Champion System) who initiated the winning move, followed by Driscoll in what would be a two-man time trail until the end.
Jonathan Page (Planet Bike) was caught in the chase group of what ended up being six by time they reached the line. With Powers having Driscoll up front, it left five to close the gap. A disappointed Page pulled the gap to within 11 seconds at one point, but was clearly upset after the race telling VeloNation, "Nobody wanted to do any work. I think if we worked together we would have caught them."
Page easily took the final sprint for the line grabbing the last podium spot on offer.
Women's Results:
1. Katherine COMPTON USA in 40:45
2. Katerina NASH CZE - 41:44
3. Georgia GOULD USA - 41:55
4. Kelli EMMETT USA - 41:59
5. Mary MCCONNELOUG - 39 43:02
6. Susan BUTLER USA - 43:05
7. Helen WYMAN GBR - 43:06
8. Alison POWERS USA - 43:20
9. Amy DOMBROSKI USA - 44:11
10. Laura VAN GILDER USA - 44:13
11. Alison SYDOR CAN - 44:13
12. Barbara HOWE USA - 44:17
13. Kristin WENTWORTH USA - 44:26
14. Kari STUDLEY USA - 44:41
15. Devon HASKELL USA - 44:57
Men's Results:
1. James DRISCOLL USA in 1:00:59
2. Christopher JONES USA - 1:01:03
3. Jonathan PAGE USA - 1:01:15
4. Jeremy POWERS USA - 1:01:16
5. Erwin VERVECKEN BEL - 1:01:16
6. Ryan TREBON USA - 1:01:19
7. Todd WELLS USA - 1:01:24
8. Christian HEULE SUI - 1:01:34
9. Barry WICKS USA - 1:02:04
10. Ben BERDEN BEL - 1:02:07
11. Geoff KABUSH CAN - 1:02:12
12. Jake WELLS USA - 1:02:14
13. Jesse ANTHONY USA - 1:03:08
14. Carl DECKER USA - 1:03:17
15. Joseph THOMPSON USA - 1:03:31