Highlights and excerpts from Day 2 of this year’s SoCal CLX series at wwwsocalcross.org
It’s not often that pro cyclocross riders get to work on their tans between race days. Then again, it’s not often that pro ‘cross racers get to collect their pay and UCI points in SoCal. Day 2 of CXLA was another day in paradise for those who elected to head southwest this weekend; a warm, dry, dusty and sometimes wildly gusty day at the famed Greek Theatre in Griffith Park. Sunday in the heart of the country’s second largest city was in many ways much like the day before. Some of the obstacles on this climb-heavy 2.5km course were moved, some were rearranged, traction was diminished, but it made little difference to the big winners.
photo credit @ Twitter
The highly decorated Katerina Nash (Luna Pro Team) produced a Hollywood sequel by charging past early leaders Courtenay McFadden (GE Capital/American Classic), Amanda Miller (Boulder Cycle Sport/YogaGlo) and Nicole Duke (Marin Bikes/Spy) on the second of six laps and then riding into the sunset. Just like the day before, the four-time Olympian and World Cup winner built on her lead every time around to eventually win by 42 seconds. The rest of the Elite Women’s field was spread out all over the park, with McFadden holding on for second, Miller third at one minute, Duke fourth and local heroine Amanda Nauman (SDG/Bellwether/Krema Peanut Butter) rounding out the podium.
In the Men’s Elite event, Saturday winner Jamey Driscoll (Raleigh/Clement) appeared to be a box-office bust after completing the first lap in eighth place with a very uncomfortable look on his face. Adam Craig (Giant Factory Off-Road Team), meanwhile, sporting a stylish Tom Sellick-like ‘stache, looked ready to improve his previous day’s runner-up position by moving into the spotlight alone for for several laps. But Belgian transplant Ben Berden was having none of that, chasing down and then capturing Craig at the halfway mark.
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