Five national titles earned in Bend

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The 55-59 master men's contest was a battle of heavy hitters, with the legendary Ned Overend (Specialized) powering to a solo victory.

Finishing second in yesterday's time trial to ‘Cross Vegas organizer Brooke Watts (Cody Racing), Overend started on the front row start with reigning national champion Paul Curley (Midstate Cycling Club-Gear Works) and six other strong men.

Norman Kreiss (Morgan Stanley) surged from the second row to take the early lead while Curley and Overend rode patiently behind Kreiss on the first lap.

"The course was changing all the time," said Overend. "It was kind of dicey on that first lap, but then I was able to bridge up to Norm and put it down on the grass areas."

Overend finished nearly one minute up on silver medalist Kreiss, while Randall Root secured the bronze medal 2:51 behind Overend.

Glen Norton (Puget Sound Cycling) earned a national title over Fred Wittwer (Alan North America) and George Pawle (Cyclonauts) in the 60-64 master men's race.

John Elgart (Alto Velo Racing) won the 65-69 men's event to join his wife atop the podium.

"The former national champion Jim Wagner was right on me for two laps," said Elgart. "He eventually went off his line, and I got a gap and managed to win."

Erik Nordenson rode strongly to win the 70-74 men's title, as did Walter Axthelm (Durango Wheel Club) in the 75-79 race.