Elliott, Cyclocrossworld team double in Canada

The North American cyclo-cross heavies headed across the border into Canada for the double C1 weekend in Toronto this past weekend, and fittingly, Ottawa native Natasha Elliott took two commanding victories in her home province. On a cold and rainy weekend, Elliott soloed to victory by more than two minutes over her nearest competitors, Dawn Anderson (Oak bay Bikes) and Kristin Wentworth (Planet Bike) on Saturday. The following day, Elliott faced stronger competition from Kristin Wentworth (Planet Bike) and Rebecca Wellons (Ridley Factory Team).

"I like the mud and I got a good taste of it racing in Belgium last year," said Elliott. "It was a very demanding and powerful course where I needed to keep a constant pressure on the pedals. It was so sloppy and wet but it was fun. The points are important for me because I want to go back to Europe for two months of racing."

On the men's side, the Cyclocrossworld/Cannondale duo Jeremy Powers and Tim Johnson took turns on the podium's top step. Saturday's mud-fest went to Powers, who took the lead after Johnson crashed. The US champion rode a flawless race on Sunday to come home with his fourth win of the season.