This was a spectacular weekend of racing in New England. The weather was sunny every day and in the 50's. It was perfect for spectators, although many of the cross racers would have preferred snow, mud, and rain just because they like epic races.
I did fairly well on my pre-race predictions this year. Ryan Trebon totally destroyed everyone in the Men's Elite Race. Even Tim Johnson, this year's most consistant and mentally tough racer, could not match Ryan's speed.
Before Katie Compton's Elite Women's Race, I told her just to "not look back". Without Lyne Bessette (Canadian) in the field, there was nobody with even close to the horsepower that Katie can generate. She rode away and make it look easy. Georgia Gould will be a force in Women's Cyclocross in the future.
Jessie Anthony has been waiting a year to avenge his loss in the 2005 U-23 Race, when he crashed and Troy Wells got away. Despite some lackluster form at times this cross season, Jessie led the race nearly from the start.
The Strawberry Cup lacked some of the excitement of last year's race as three out of the top five Elite Men chose to pass it up (probably due to lack of prize money). Only Ryan Trebon was there (as was expected as the new National Champion). It was obvious from the start that Ryan was there to race but not necessarily win. An early flat put him out of contention although he fought his way back onto the podium. Tim Johson put on a show as he eventually rode away from everyone. Mark McCormack made the strongest challenge of the day, taking second place.
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