After fading late the day prior, Emma White (CyclocrossWorld Development Team) struck back hard at day 2 of the NBX Grand Prix of Cyclocross to take the win. She and Ellen Noble (JAM Fund/NCC/Vittoria) both went clear of the field in the first moments of the race, followed by Jenna Greaser (JAM Fund/NCC/Vittoria). After trading early attacks, Noble was eventually unable to respond to White and would have to settle for 2nd. Behind them, Greaser rode virtually all race solo – trailing White and Noble, but well ahead of any chasers. Her consistent performance over race clinched the 3rd spot on the podium.White wasted ZERO time getting to the front to set a fast pace, seemingly looking to make up for yesterday’s second place.
Before I’m even set up to shoot for lap 1, and White was already driving the pace with Noble hanging on her wheel and a substantial gap (7 seconds! First half a lap!) ahead of anyone else.
Usual fast-starter Greaser was also ahead of the rest of the field with a slight gap, too, beginning her long and solitary TT to 3rd place.
Down on the sand, White and Noble were still together…
…but Greaser had dropped Kemmerer, now riding around 8 seconds down.
Over the next lap, Noble and White would stick together, neither particularly keen top attack yet.
And then. IT HAPPENED. White absolutely dropped the hammer to put in a crippling attack against Noble, riding with the same explosiveness that launched her and White to their early lead:
In the fight for 4th and 5th, back at the beach:
A lap later, again at the sand, and the situation was largely the same: White smashing, Noble damage controlling…
Apparently the mix of a little dry air, a little dust, and going HARD all race will do that to you. Which is kind of awesome.
And despite the 2nd place finish, Noble had plenty to smile about, indeed, securing 1st overall woman in the Verge Cyclocross Series, as well as the U23 women. Last rider to perform such a feat? One Tim Johnson!
Congrats to Emma for the win, and Ellen for series victory! Up next, the Elite men with the exciting conclusion of the weekend in Warwick.
Great shots, John. Thanks.