By Kirsten Robbins in Jamesburg, New Jersey
The scenic Thompson Park hosted the fifth round of the Verge Mid Atlantic Championship Cyclo-cross Series under sunny skies and dry terrain making the Elite men's 60 minute race unrecognizable compared to last year's unforgettably muddy slosh through the rain. Davide Frattini (Colavita/Sutter Home) took advantage of his 'cross smarts and the circuit's hills to aid in a back-to-back UCI victory and enough points to take the lead in the Verge MAC series.
Frattini out sprinted cyclo-cross strong man Jon Hamblen (Richard Sachs/RGM Watches) as Colavita/Sutter Home team-mate Matt Kraus claimed third place, securing the team's second double podium in as many days.
"To have won two races in a row means that my coach and I are working well together," said the winning Italian, who is working with Herriott Sports Performance's Todd Herriott. "It's important for me, for the team and for the sponsors who support me all season. To have a good performance is the best way to say thanks."
The desirable weather conditions in Thompson Park led to an exciting women's race where Georgia Gould (Luna) used her mountain biking prowess and polished fitness to gain an insurmountable lead over Maureen Bruno Roy (Independent Fabrication) and Anna Milkowski (Velo Bella).
After winning the Master B men's event and the Elite women's event in the previous days Beacon Cyclo-cross race, Gould continued her dominance on the UCI 'cross scene by marking a third win in a single weekend. Gould noted that her east coast racing schedule has led to some valuable training leading into the next USGP round. "I'm happy with my fitness right now and racing has been really fun," said Gould. "I always look forward to cross season. I got some good training in this weekend and that bodes well for next weekend in New Jersey."
Also see full results, report and photos from the men's and women's races.
