The wet conditions and technical terrain proved advantageous for Maureen Bruno Roy (MM Racing p/b Seven Cycles) on Sunday. She soloed away from Saturday winner Natasha Elliott, but the latter claimed the lead in the NECCC series lead after week 1.
Nikki Thiemann (Human Zoom/Pabst Blue Ribbon) surprised everyone to grab her first podium spot in a UCI race. Her double fist-pump as she crossed the line showed everyone she was another rider ready to tackle the big guns and be a force in elite cyclo-cross on the east coast.
My best guess would be that social media has accelerated the glorification and fetishization of the Alpe d’Huez atmosphere, and more and more people are heading up with the primary focus of seeking out the hot-spots where the music is loudest, and the costumes are wildest.