“That’s racing.” How many times have we heard that? For Jeremiah Bishop (Sho-Air Cannondale), the Fontana City National was one of those days. Out front and looking comfortable with less than a lap to go in this four-lap event, his chain snapped.
Todd Wells (Specialized), who had been part of a three-man breakaway with Bishop and a surprising Cameron Jette (Scott-3 Rox Racing) for much of the race, pounced on the opportunity and scored his first victory of the 2013 Pro XCT season.
Photos By Phil Beckman/PB Creative
[SlideDeck2 id=7848]
“I was able to capitalize on that and get the win,” stated Wells. “I would like to win outright but it’s mountain biking and the equipment and your support team and everything plays a role. It’s not like on the road, where you have a problem and they give you a new bike instantly. You’ve got to fix it yourself. I wasn’t necessarily the fastest rider but I had the best team behind me and the best equipment and that enabled me to get the win today.”
Bishop was able to repair his drivetrain in what must have been record time. He was still able to finish second, only about a minute and a half behind Wells and just under a minute in front of the Canadian, Jette.
“Yeah…you know, it happens,” said a philosophical Bishop. “This is mountain bike racing—it’s one of the toughest sports in the world and by virtue of that, there’s rocks, there’s roots, there’s dust, there’s heat in Southern California. Maybe I forced a shift or did something wrong. I had a healthy lead on the last lap; was cruising. Luckily I ride with a chain tool and a link. I was able to get it back together very quickly, I guess maybe in less than two minutes. Then I got back on the bike and sprinted like a banshee, but there was nothing I could do.”
Unlike the Pro Men’s race, there was no drama whatsoever in the Pro Women’s event. Lea Davison (Specialized) jumped out to an early lead and never looked back. The 2012 Olympian from Vermont dominated the very warm, dry day to win by nearly three minutes ahead of a thin field. Chloe Woodruff (Crankbrothers) and Evelyn Dong battled for most of the race for second place, with Woodruff getting the nod.
Photos & Report By Phil Beckman/PB Creative
2013 US CUP – Fontana City National 3/30/13
Results
Pro Men, Cross Country
1 Todd Wells Specialized 1:39:11.6
2 Jeremiah Bishop Sho-Air/Cannondale 1:40:49.2
3 Cameron Jette Scott-3 Rox Racing 1:41:37.8
4 Benjamin Sonntag American I 1:43:28.4
5 Mitchell Hoke Kenda/Felt 1:44:11.1
6 Alex Grant Sho-Air/Cannondale 1:44:36.7
7 Ryan Woodall 1:44:44.8
8 Zachary Valdez Whole Athlete 1:45:28.9
9 Ryan Trebon Kona/FSA 1:47:07.0
10 Casey Williams Whole Athlete 1:47:17.3
Pro Women, Cross Country
1 Lea Davison Specialized 1:27:42.7
2 Chloe Woodruff Crankbrothers 1:30:33.4
3 Evelyn Dong 1:30:59.3
4 Nina Baum Stan’s NoTubes 1:32:41.6
5 Erica Tingey Jamis 1:32:57.5
6 Judy Freeman Crankbroth 1:35:03.6
7 Erin Alders Liv/Giant 1:36:18.0
8 Larissa Fitchett Lost Coast 1:38:28.8
9 Shayna Powless BMC 1:38:35.8
10 Sarah Jansen The Path Bicycles 1:41:09.7
