Cameron Dodge (unattached) took a repeat-win at day 2 of the Supercross Cup. Dan Timmerman (Stan’s NoTubes Elite CX) improved upon the prior day’s podium, moving up to 2nd place, and U23 rider Scott Smith (JAM Fund/NCC/Vittoria) took 3rd.
From the gun, Smith showed he was here to ride and looking to improve upon the prior day’s 6th place finish, easily taking the holeshot.
© 2015 John Kavouris www.johnkavouris.com Down from the top of the start-loop, and Todd Wells (Specialized Factory Racing) had moved into first, followed by Travis Livermore (Mock Orange Bikes Pro CX), Cooper Willsey (Cannondale Pro CX kit, riding for Furman University Cycling Team), Dodge and Timmerman.
© 2015 John Kavouris www.johnkavouris.com Within a lap and Kerry Werner (Raleigh-Clement), Dodge, and Timmerman had all moved up to the front. © 2015 John Kavouris www.johnkavouris.com Werner nearly lost momentum on the steep mud ride/run-up, but managed to keep things moving to avoid a dismount. © 2015 John Kavouris www.johnkavouris.com After the early push from Werner, the pace settled, allowing a large group to coalesce.
Dodge, Livermore, Werner, Ben Frederick (BeyondCX, and friend of CXHairs), Timmerman, and Wells, with Tristan Cowie (Mock Orange Bikes Pro CX) a second or two back from the group. © 2015 John Kavouris www.johnkavouris.com Dodge would stay at the front and begin to push the pace. © 2015 John Kavouris www.johnkavouris.com Later at the SRAM stair-set, the lead group would remain largely unchanged, with Timmerman setting the pace at the front, allowing for Smith to catch on and join the party. © 2015 John Kavouris www.johnkavouris.com A lap later, and Timmerman would go on the first of many attacks during the race.
Dodge and Werner go with the move, the rest of the group opting out. © 2015 John Kavouris www.johnkavouris.com While the move certainly had the firepower to be a problem for the rest of the group, they never amassed a truly significant lead on their chasers:
© 2015 John Kavouris www.johnkavouris.com © 2015 John Kavouris www.johnkavouris.com Dodge looking around at the front signaled a possible end to the move. © 2015 John Kavouris www.johnkavouris.com Sure enough, by the stair-set and the move looked in distress, back within grasp of the chasers. © 2015 John Kavouris www.johnkavouris.com In the meantime, Smith had worked from the back of the group up to 5th place, poised to make moves in the second half of the race. © 2015 John Kavouris www.johnkavouris.com Over another half a lap, Timmerman doubled-down to attack again, dropping Werner and only bringing Dodge with him.
At one of the ride/run-ups Timmerman and Dodge were smashing. © 2015 John Kavouris www.johnkavouris.com 13 seconds down, and Smith was leading the chase. © 2015 John Kavouris www.johnkavouris.com Before long, Smith had dropped his counterparts and was making short work of a solo chase.
Smith, about to make the catch. © 2015 John Kavouris www.johnkavouris.com By the planks, Smith had caught Dodge and Timmerman.
© 2015 John Kavouris www.johnkavouris.com Over the next half lap, Smith’s momentum didn’t slow, who after chasing went right to the front to push the pace.
© 2015 John Kavouris www.johnkavouris.com But, a lap at the front was all Smith could manage, as Timmerman burned yet another match to launch another attack.
By the stair-set, Dodge was able to stick with Timmerman, but Smith was beginning to fade. © 2015 John Kavouris www.johnkavouris.com Dodge was able to stay close to Timmerman, but it was clear that Smith didn’t have the legs to match their pace. Smith went on to ride steadily into 3rd place. © 2015 John Kavouris www.johnkavouris.com With one lap to go, Dodge finally made his move to attack, opening up a small gap and forcing a response from Timmerman.
Timmerman giving everything to chase down Dodge. © 2015 John Kavouris www.johnkavouris.com At the run up, Dodge and Timmerman were both going all out. Dodge still held that small gap on Timmerman, but would he be able to hold it? © 2015 John Kavouris www.johnkavouris.com Last sight of Dodge and Timmerman before the finishing stretch. © 2015 John Kavouris www.johnkavouris.com Coming down on the off-camber, Dodge still had the lead, but Timmerman was charging hard to close the gap before the finish. © 2015 John Kavouris www.johnkavouris.com http://www.johnkavouris.com
Hitting the finishing pavement, Dodge still held an advantage of a few bike lengths over Timmerman –both soft-pedaling the final meters after a fierce duel. © 2015 John Kavouris www.johnkavouris.com Smith rolled in and pumped a fist to celebrate making the UCI podium. © 2015 John Kavouris www.johnkavouris.com Post-race:
Dodge. © 2015 John Kavouris www.johnkavouris.com Timmerman. © 2015 John Kavouris www.johnkavouris.com
