Summerhill nets top finishes for US

TIAA-CREF/CLIF BAR cyclo-cross riders Daniel Summerhill, Jim Lennon, and Troy Wells are continuing their racing season by participating in the 4th annual European cyclo-cross camp in Belgium this winter. The trip didn't start off too well for Summerhill and Lennon, as the pair had their departure date delayed four days due to the blizzard that hit Denver the morning they were set to fly to Brussels. Missing their two days of time zone acclimation and the first junior race they were set to participate in, the pair regained their composure and found success at Loenhout, one of the biggest junior races in Belgium with 72 starters.

Summerhill had his best race ever in Europe, according to US national 'cross coach Geoff Proctor, ""Danny's ride today was extraordinary. He started back row and roared up to 4th before losing the sprint and getting 5th. He could have won for sure with a decent start position. Amazing ride, on just a few hours sleep in the past few days."

In Summerhills' diary, he gives his version of the start. "On the start line though, each rider from their respective countries was called up randomly, but what I found interesting was how un-random it seemed that all five of the American racers were called to the line very last. So with anger throbbing through my veins, the start light turned from red to green, and I was off."

Given another two days to adjust to the time change and get some much needed rest, Summerhill improved on his performance, netting a third place in the Superprestige race in Diegem, and another third at the GP Sven Nys. These results along with Jonathan Page's second places in Middelkerke and Luxembourg give the US four podium finishes over the holiday 'cross races.