The Big Picture: US Open of Cyclocross Elite Men (Saturday)

Veteran cycling photographer, Dave McElwaine, was on hand at this past weekend’s UCI C2 US Open of Cyclocross formerly know as the Boulder Cup capturing the action for In The Crosshairs. For this submission he covers the men’s elite field on Saturday. The images tell the story of Jamey Driscoll’s win, which capped a great day for the Raleigh-Clement squad. All photos © 2015 Dave McElwaine.

Danny Summerhill launches off jump during practice at Valmont Park.
Danny Summerhill launches off jump during practice at Valmont Park.
Danny Summerhill (Maxxis-Shimano) took the early lead but Todd Wells and Jamey Driscoll were never far behind.
Danny Summerhill (Maxxis-Shimano) took the early lead but Todd Wells and Jamey Driscoll were never far behind.
Jamey Driscoll (Raleigh Clement) chasing Danny Summerhill on a treacherous section of the course.
Jamey Driscoll (Raleigh Clement) chasing Danny Summerhill on a treacherous section of the course.
Danny Summerhill (Maxxis-Shimano) running the 5280 Staircase on lap two.
Danny Summerhill (Maxxis-Shimano) running the 5280 Staircase on lap two.
Allen Krughoff (Noosa Pro Team) running the stairs on lap two followed by Todd Wells and Jamey Driscoll.
Allen Krughoff (Noosa Pro Team) running the stairs on lap two followed by Todd Wells and Jamey Driscoll.
Cody Kaiser (Specialized-Lange Twins) running the stairs in tenth place.
Cody Kaiser (Specialized-Lange Twins) running the stairs in tenth place.
The course was brutally difficult in places and extremely bumpy due to clumps of grass.
The course was brutally difficult in places and extremely bumpy due to clumps of grass.
Danny Summerhill (Maxxis-Shimano) leading Allen Krughoff (Noosa) and Todd Wells (Specialized) up a climb during lap three.
Danny Summerhill (Maxxis-Shimano) leading Allen Krughoff (Noosa) and Todd Wells (Specialized) up a climb during lap three.
Young Lance Haidet (Raleigh Clement) racing with Jonathan Page inside the top twenty.
Young Lance Haidet (Raleigh Clement) racing with Jonathan Page inside the top twenty.
Hometown favorite Brady Kappius (Cliff Bar) is one of the tallest riders in the peloton and has little problems with stairs.
Hometown favorite Brady Kappius (Cliff Bar) is one of the tallest riders in the peloton and has little problems with stairs.
Allen Krughoff (Noosa Pro Team) leading a breakaway with Danny Summerhill. The chasers would soon latch back onto them, however.
Allen Krughoff (Noosa Pro Team) leading a breakaway with Danny Summerhill. The chasers would soon latch back onto them, however.
Danny Summerhill (Maxxis-Shimano) riding on the back of the course with two laps remaining
Danny Summerhill (Maxxis-Shimano) riding on the back of the course with two laps remaining
Danny Summerhill (Maxxis-Shimano) leading select group through on of the few shady sections of the course.
Danny Summerhill (Maxxis-Shimano) leading select group through on of the few shady sections of the course.
Former national champion Todd Wells (Specialized) looked sharp throughout the contest.
Former national champion Todd Wells (Specialized) looked sharp throughout the contest.
Fernando Riveros Paez (Raleigh Clement) was aggressive throughout the race. His efforts earned him fifth place.
Fernando Riveros Paez (Raleigh Clement) was aggressive throughout the race. His efforts earned him fifth place.
Jamey Driscoll (Raleigh Clement) leads at the Belgian Stairs with two laps remaining.
Jamey Driscoll (Raleigh Clement) leads at the Belgian Stairs with two laps remaining.
Troy Wells (Cliff Bar) rode extremely well but eventually lost contact with the leading group of five.
Troy Wells (Cliff Bar) rode extremely well but eventually lost contact with the leading group of five.
Allen Krughoff (Noosa Pro Team) with Jamey Driscoll and Todd Wells close behind.
Allen Krughoff (Noosa Pro Team) with Jamey Driscoll and Todd Wells close behind.
Big Ben Berden (Wcup Stoemper) had won at Valmont before but had to settle for 8th place today.
Big Ben Berden (Wcup Stoemper) had won at Valmont before but had to settle for 8th place today.
Barry Wicks (Kona) riding a ridge with two laps remaining.
Barry Wicks (Kona) riding a ridge with two laps remaining.
Racers sprint up the long 5280 Staircase.
Racers sprint up the long 5280 Staircase.
Former national champion Jonathan Page (Fuji) racing to 7th place.
Former national champion Jonathan Page (Fuji) racing to 7th place.
With one lap remaining, Allen Krughoff (Noosa Pro Team) checks to see who is still with the leading group.
With one lap remaining, Allen Krughoff (Noosa Pro Team) checks to see who is still with the leading group.
With one lap remaining, Allen Krughoff (Noosa Pro Team) checks to see who is still with the leading group.
With one lap remaining, Allen Krughoff (Noosa Pro Team) checks to see who is still with the leading group.
Jamey Driscoll (Raleigh Clement) takes the victory at Valmont Bike Park.
Jamey Driscoll (Raleigh Clement) takes the victory at Valmont Bike Park.

 

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