Trebon, Bessette lead USGP after two races

USA Cycling

With two of the series' six races in the books, the 2005 Crank Brothers US Gran Prix of Cyclocross is shaping up to a down-to-the-wire affair for the overall crowns on offer. After sweeping the opening weekend of races, in Portland, OR and Tacoma, WA, Lyne Bessette (cyclocrossworld.com-Louis Garneau) holds an impressive lead in the Elite Women's division over Barbara Howe (Velo Bella) and Ann Knapp (Kona). But with the overall series title resting on each racer's best five finishes, a single off day from Bessette could open the door to any number of challengers. Bessette also leads the FOCUS First-Lap Competition.

Last weekend's Elite Men's winners, Ryan Trebon (Kona) and Mark McCormack (Clif Bar), are separated by a scant 10 points in the series standings. Trebon's Kona teammate, Barry Wicks, rests in third in series points and also leads the FOCUS First-Lap Competition. Wicks, fourth place Tim Johnson (Cyclocrossworld.com-Louis Garneau), and fifth place Adam Craig (Giant) are all within 10 points of each other in the standings.

Defending Under-23 National and US Gran Prix Champion Jesse Anthony (Clif Bar) maintains a healthy lead in the U-23 category. In the tightest category so far, Bjorn Selander (Alan Factory) and Alex Howes (TIAA-CREF) exit the first weekend tied for the series lead in the Junior Men. Selander and Howes swapped wins in Tacoma and Portland, respectively, with each finishing third in the race the other won. But, Selander leads the Junior FOCUS First-Lap Competition.

The 2005 Crank Brothers US Gran Prix continues October 29-30 with the Michelob ULTRA Grand Prix of Cyclocross from Stage Fort Park, Gloucester, Mass.

Points Standings after 2 of 6 Series Races:

Elite Men:

1. Ryan Trebon/Kona, 90
2. Mark McCormack/Clif Bar, 80
3. Barry Wicks/Kona, 66
4. Tim Johnson/Cyclocrossworld.com-Louis Garneau, 60
5. Adam Craig/Giant Bicycles, 57.

Elite Women:

1. Lyne Bessette/ Cyclocrossworld.com-Louis Garneau, 100
2. Barbara Howe/Velo Bella, 74
3. Ann Knapp/Kona, 70
4. Rhonda Mazza/S&M-Vailla, 53
5. Georgia Gould/Kona, 49

Under-23 Men:

1. Jesse Anthony/Clif Bar, 100
2. Morgan Schmitt/Redline, 63
3. Troy Wells/TIAA-CREF, 57

Junior Men:

1. Alex Howes/TIAA-CREF, 84
2. Bjorn Selander/Alan Factory, 84
3. Danny Summerhill/TIAA-CREF, 80

The remaining Crank Brothers U.S. Gran Prix of Cyclocross Series schedule for 2005:

Race 3: October 29 - Michelob ULTRA Grand Prix of Gloucester #1, Stage Fort Park, Gloucester, MA.
Race 4: October 30 -Michelob ULTRA Grand Prix of Gloucester #2, Stage Fort Park, Gloucester, MA.
Race 5: November 19 - Surf City Cyclocross (30th Anniversary), Watsonville Fairgrounds, Watsonville, CA.
Race 6: November 20 - Clark Natwick Grand Prix, Golden Gate Park, San Francisco, CA