Tuesday, December 30, 2008

North American 'Crossers Climbing In Europe

Despite a few notable setbacks, our men and women from the states continue to steadily climb the 'cross ladder in Europe's big pond.

Despite being involved in a nasty crash that bloodied his knee during the start of the Noordzeecross at Middelkerke, Belgium, Dec. 29, Bend's Ryan Trebon (Kona) fought his way back to 15th in a race won by Belgian Champion Sven Nys. Vanilla Bicycles rider Molly Cameron of Portland (pictured) had the best result of his season's European crusade, crossing the line at Middelkerke in 25th. American Jonathan Page, whose season is unfortunately up in the air because of missed drug test, took fourth, and Cannondale-Cyclocrossworld.com rider Jeremy Powers came in seventh. Powers followed it up the next day with a 13th place finish at Loenhout, Belgium.

Trebon and Powers, housemates during their Belgian battles, will head to Alicante, Spain, before returning north for the world cup round in Roubaix, France, Jan. 18 and eventually the world championships Feb. 1 in Hoogerheide, The Netherlands.

AMERICAN FINISHERS

Noordzeecross at Middelkerke, Belgium, Dec. 29
ELITE MEN
4. Jonathan Page (Planet Bike)
7. Jeremy Powers (Cannondale/Cyclocrossworld.com)
15. Ryan Trebon (Kona)
25. Molly Cameron (Vanilla Bicycles)
32. Jamie Driscoll (Cannondale/Cyclocrossworld.com)
39. David Quist

Azencross Loenhout at Loenhout, Belgium, Dec. 30

ELITE WOMEN
2. Katie Compton
5. Rachel Lloyd (California Giant Berry Farms/Specialized)
9. Georgia Gould (Luna)
15. Sue Butler (Monavie-Cannondale)
34. Christine Vardaros

ELITE MEN
13. Jeremy Powers (Cannondale-Cyclocrossworld.com)
39. Brian Matter
43. Troy Wells (Clif Bar)
52. Matt Shriver