The Big Picture: Gran Prix Of Gloucester Day Two (Men's Pro Race)

Deja vu all over again for the Cannondale team, as Jeremy Powers (Aspire Racing) once again takes the win, beating Curtis White (2nd), Stephen Hyde (3rd), and Ryan Trebon (4th) (Cannondale p/b CyclocrossWorld).

Like yesterday, the three Cannondale riders spent the majority of the race trading attacks and forcing Powers to cover. However, late-race flats for both Hyde and Trebon (again!) gave Powers the winning hand as he distanced Curtis White. Today’s victory marks Power’s 6th consecutive win at Gloucester, and his 8th victory this season.

How the race unfolded:

In the shakeout over the first several hundred meters, it looked like today might be a day of redemption for the Cannondale team. Curtis White again was on point early in the race and led the field through the SRAM chicane section followed closely by his teammates.

Curtis White on the front. © 2015 Sean Roach

Dust and chaos for the rest of the field in the SRAM chicane section. © 2015 Sean Roach

After the first half-lap of racing, the leaders emerged from the woods: Dan Timmerman (Stan’s No-Tubes Elite CX) followed by White, Powers, Trebon, Hyde, Ben Berden (WCup-Stoemper), Jamie Driscoll (Raleigh-Clement), Danny Summerhill (Maxxis-Shimano Pro Cyclocross), and Cameron Dodge (unattached).

Dan Timmerman on the front, a mechanical would force him out of the selection after lap 1. © 2015 Sean Roach

In the opening laps, White would lead the charge to soften up Powers, setting a quick pace and testing powers with soft attacks. © 2015 John Kavouris

A lap later and White was done at the front, with Trebon and Summerhill working together and briefly gaining a small gap over the remaining group (now short Driscoll, Dodge, and Berden), forcing Powers to once again chase.

With 5 to go and the group together, Trebon swung out wide on the paved finish stretch to launch a solo attack. Powers knew he must respond, and Summerhill is even caught looking, expecting Powers’ move.

Powers went to the front and lifted the pace steadily, rather than burn matches to immediately match Trebon. © 2015 John Kavouris

Despite the punchy attack, Powers had towed the group back to Trebon within a lap. © 2015 John Kavouris

And then it was Hyde’s turn at the front. © 2015 John Kavouris

Let it be known that this tactic should work from a team to tire out a single opponent. However, Jeremy Powers simply does not tire. Ever, apparently. Instead, Hyde’s effort only served to unhitch White from the group – Hyde quickly eased the pace to let his teammate back on.

Trebon would see the front of the race once more before a flat would put him out of contact to assist against Powers.