Driscoll pops the bubbly, drowns the competition

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The union was like one from a romantic Hollywood blockbuster, but it was under the bright lights of Las Vegas that Jamey Driscoll formed a winning partnership with road rider Christopher Jones (Champion System). 

The duo dominated the 10-lap race as their chasers were fighting over just how they'd lose it, with Erwin Vervecken (Revor-Kartazi Cycling Team) so determined not to lead the chase he might as well have been queuing for free beers in the VIP section overlooking the course.

"This is huge, it's definitely one of the biggest ones of my career," said Driscoll. "We were having a discussion [before the race] in our team that we get beat up so much over in Europe and I think a big part of it is they grew up on those courses; they know every detail there is to know about them. But out here, we know our course a lot more."

A dejected Jonathan Page (Planet Bike) was clearly disappointed with his third place finish, and the behaviour of his chase group companions. Page has lead much of the group's chase of the leaders, but received only limited help from countryman Ryan Trebon (Kona).

"There was just a bunch of lamos sitting on and not doing anything," said Page. "The leaders got a gap, then that was it. It was smart racing on their part."

No tokens given, none taken

A hot pace was set on the opening parade lap, as Jeremy Powers (Cannondale/Cyclocrossworld) stormed in to the lead with Todd Wells (Specialized) and teammate Tim Johnson in toe. The North Americans sent a clear message to the noteworthy European riders early in the race, indicating they weren't going to be upstaged on their home course.

The speed immediately put stress on the large field, with the race splitting in to three groups immediately while Drew Edsall (Scott/WTB) didn't make the second corner before withdrawing.

The crowed continued to warm up its vocal chords as the race settled into a rhythm, with one astute onlooker noting as the riders dismounted for the first set of stairs: "That's how I ride my mountain bike; find sh*t I can't ride over and hop off".

Trebon tested the waters on the second lap, putting in an attack while Tim Van Nuffel led the chasers. The lanky American's efforts were in vain, but the increase in speed did force the lead group to a selection of 11 that went on to become the race's key players.

With Trebon neutralised, Jones launched his successful attack, followed by Driscoll, leading into the second of two staircases on the course.

Jones and Driscoll set an impressive pace which further decimated the field behind the chasers. The tempo was set so high that when Aaron Tuckerman (Land Rover-Orbea) was pulled from the race by an official after being lapped, he responded "thank you".

The leading couple maintained their pace lap-in, lap out until finally Page enlisted the help of Trebon to launch a concerted chase over the final two laps. The damage, however, had already been done and Page was forced to settle, somewhat reluctantly, for third place.

While delighted with his efforts, Jones is under no illusions as to his future in cyclo-cross. The rider admitted the all-grass circuit was perfectly suited to his skills, but once the races hit muddier trucks the advantage will slide. "I knew that I had to get out in front of everyone and just use my strength, which is my power," said Jones. "I'm a roadie, I do this just because I love cyclo-cross."