Jeremy Powers executes a perfect strategy to take Derby City Cup 2011- Cycling News
Rapha-Focus Team’s Jeremy Powers executed a perfect strategy to take the opening stage of Exergy US Gran Prix of Cyclo-cross's Derby City Cup 2011, in Louisville on Sunday, November 12.
Ryan Trebon of LTS-Felt, who appeared to have Powers on the ropes most of the time, launched attack to take a lead.
However, in the closing 200 metres, Trebon was hampered by a dropped chain and he failed to outclass Powers for the victory.
After winning the stage, Powers told the media, “It would have been a good sprint, but that's racing. I'm still really happy with today and I think I rode a good race, I think he did too. We've both proven that we're the strongest guys this year. It's just
Ryan and I beating the c**p out of each other”.
Trebon was also very happy with his performance and pleased with the way the bike was handled.
The duo rode very well. While in the final lap, Terbon rode fast but suddenly lost his chain and Jermey crossed the finish-line instead, with a timing of 56 minutes and 52 seconds. Terbon ended up in the runner-up’s spot, 3 second adrift.
Terbon added, "Today's going to stick with me for a little while, it's going to take a little while to let it go. I'm not disappointed, but just kind of bummed. When you have good legs and you ride the bike well you want to capitalize on those days".
In the first lap, Ben Berden (Ops Ale-Stoemper) started the race at rocket-speed and gained a lead over the chasers but Terbon, Powers and Chris Jones quickly joined him.
In the third lap, a number of strong cyclists made their breakaway lead, including Todd Wells (Specialized), Geoff Kabush (Maxxis-Rocky Mountain), Danny Summerhill (Chipotle Development), Tim Johnson, Jamey Driscoll (Cannondale), Troy Wells (Clif Bar) and
Barry Wicks (Kona).
However, all of them were caught by the peloton in the last kilometres whereas Powers managed to take the stage victory.
Johnson finished third with a difference of 27 seconds, ahead of Geoff Kabush (Maxxis-Rocky Mountain).
After five rounds of the race, Trebon took the overall standing with 214 points ahead of Powers with 182 points. Zach McDonald (Rapha-Focus) took the U23 men title with 224 points, ahead of Yannick Eckmann (Pearlizumi-Shimano-Focus).
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