Ortenblad wins opening day at GP Gloucester

Tobin Ortenblad (Santa Cruz-Donkey Label) survived a late race onslaught by Aspire racing to win day one at Gloucester on the final lap. Spencer Petrov (Aspire Racing), often seen playing the good team-mate to Powers during the race, finished in second place. Former USA Champion Jeremy Powers (Aspire Racing) attacked late in the race but was reeled in and ultimately passed by Ortenblad.

Curtis White (Cannondale) took the initial hole-shot and led during the first lap but suffered from an unknown mishap and found himself in a chase group the rest of the race. Anthony Clark (Squid Squad) also was an early factor in the race but could not keep pace with the Ortenblad, Petrov, Powers lead group.

Race conditions in Gloucester were the best they have been in years. Stage Fort Park received some early rain that knocked down most the usual dust.

“It’s been awesome," Ortenblad said of his breakout season. "Last year I got a taste of it and this year I think we knew we did the work and it’s working out. I was looking at some of the results the other night. The first year in Elites was like 35th, 28th, 18th, and then last year was top five. Then this year it feels good to win some of these.”

When asked whether Powers and Petrov had worked together, he replied, “No doubt. Those two….Jeremy has always been an incredible rider and Spence has just been blowing doors this year. The two of them at the front is dangerous. It really sucks to be with the two of them at the end because they work you over. They are playing tactics as they should.”

Results