Cameron Dodge (Unattached) took the win at day 1 of the Supercross Cup in Stony Point, NY, riding a smooth and steady race over the slick and technically challenging course. Raleigh-Clement rider Kerry Werner fought back from several places down to finish 2nd, while Dan Timmerman (Stan’s NoTubes Elite CX) finished 3rd on the podium.
As the mechanics finished rinsing off bikes from the women’s race, virtually all of the men lined up with some choice of mud tire – rubber “whiskers” still present on many tires, a visible sign of the predominantly dry season we’ve had here in the northeast.
Despite leading the group, and early error forced Dodge to stop and put a foot down who only lost two places, which would let Durrin complete a successful pass a moment later.
Later in the first lap as the group approached the steep mud uphill, Durrin lost momentum and was forced off his bike as others were all able to ride:
Tactical Note: Durrin checks behind him to watch for a pass attempt. The ride/run-up was narrow enough that Durrin could have blocked action behind him, and a “brake check” could have forced those behind to dismount, stopping a pass attempt or easy attack.
Later, the men would see the elite-only off-camber rock section. While potentially harrowing for those in the scrub-zone, the leaders negotiated the rocks carefully but without incident.
By the time the leaders reached the barriers a lap later, Timmerman had gained the lead, followed by Dodge, Durrin, and Travis Livermore (Mock Orange Bikes Pro CX) joining the trio.
Back at the ride/run-up, Durrin nearly bobbled again, but managed to keep the pedals turning.
Werner continued to stalk the podium, moving up to 5th within a lap.
At some point, Durrin must have mechanicaled or suffered a significant crash – he was out of the lead group, and would finish in 9th for the day.
On the back section of course, riders slowly began to suffer the mud. Here, all three leaders dab a foot after committing to the same deep rut. Perhaps not committing enough? Perhaps committing to the wrong rut? Who knows…
Back at the stairs, Werner made the pass into 3rd.
After the descent from the off-camber rocks, riders were greeted by a nice stretch of flat, slick mud. As rider after rider continued to slog through some of the more grimy parts of the course, Dodge stayed smart and used the firmer ground to stay quick.
Behind him, Werner barreled through the mud with aplomb, riding like a man possessed and sitting in 2nd place!
Dodge continued to shred through the course, all the while looking cool and collected. In a most humble finish, Dodge barely waves to the crowd despite ample time to post up and celebrate the well deserved win.
