2015 cyclocross nationals: Jeremy Powers wins from 46 guys in private pain caves

Jeremy Powers wins his third US elite cyclocross title, in Austin, Texas

[updated 1/18/2015]

He alternated between mouth open and teeth clenched.

Jeremy Powers‘ face resembled that of a hunted man at this year’s cyclocross national championships, until the last bend when he turned and confirmed that Jonathan Page (Fuji-Spy) hadn’t caught him. Then his jaw relaxed. He punched his fist in the air with an extended pointer finger signifying his continued number one status in US ‘cross.

Powers (Aspire Racing) won with a margin of 34 seconds over Page who early in the first lap emerged as his most significant rival. Cyclocross is cruel and that day it targeted Page who had arrived from Belgium lean and fit. For Page the race was lost by a flat out of the pit early in the race.

From then on Page chased alone. As the race entered its second half, almost every man behind him soldiered on solo as well.

Next on course, Zach McDonald (Cyclocross Project 2015) charged on in third.

McDonald’s expression appeared alert though nearly stress-free. He was one of the few that seemed to be having a good time; if others were too, they hid their joy behind grimaces and intense focus as they pushed bikes up slippery inclines and ran around off-camber turns that threatened to take them down.

Each man labored on alone with his thoughts. “Don’t forget to lift feet higher so the shoe spikes will clear the limestone stairs. Breathe, just breathe. Here comes that gnarly descent – you’ve got it. I need pedals that clear better in the mud. Make the most of it, great practice for next season. It’s just a bike race.”

And, in the back portion of the field, “Dang it. Powers just lapped me. Cool.”

Ryan Trebon will lead the front of the field from pavement onto dirt, ahead of the crash

E

Allen Krughoff arrives eleven seconds later than Trebon et al, held up by a crash after the start. A few minutes later he’s in about 30th position.

E

The guy who slammed into Brady Kappius in the crash just after the start took out his rear wheel. Coach Grant Holicky retrieved what was left of it.

E

Reaper man menaces JPow

E

Jonathan Page ten seconds behind Jeremy Powers halfway into lap two

E

Zach McDonald running late in the race, after the upslope barriers

Gallery