"This course was drastically different than the other (on Saturday). It was much less technical, but very difficult to pedal on. It was slick," said Hyde. "It was a big group race. It was hard. I just waited for it all to happen."
Hanging with Hyde for eight laps, Hecht couldn't handle the pace in the finale but was able to finish strongly and secure his first podium of the season.
"I tried not to present the fact that I was really in the box the entire race, keep him from attacking me earlier," said 19-year-old Hecht. "It was a good day. I was super happy about how it went."
From the chase group behind, White was able to hold off Kerry Werner and James Driscoll for the final podium position.
The US 'cross season continues next weekend with the Derby City Cup and the Pan-American Continental Championships in Louisville, Kentucky.
Full Results
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#
Rider Name (Country) Team
Result
1
Stephen Hyde (USA) Cannondale Cyclocrossworld
0:58:15
2
Gage Hecht (USA) Alpha Bicycle Company - Groove
0:00:26
3
Curtis White (USA) Cannondale p/b Cyclocrossworld
0:01:11
4
Kerry Werner (USA) Kona Factory CX Team
0:01:15
5
James Driscoll (USA) Donnelly Sports
0:01:17
6
Eric Brunner (USA) Evol Racing
0:01:41
7
Cooper Willsey (USA) Cannondale Cyclocrossworld
0:01:46
8
Travis Livermon (USA) Maxxis-Shimano Pro Cyclocross
0:01:47
9
Hector Fernando Riveros Paez (Col) Stan's NoTubes p/b Maxxis
0:01:55
10
Lance Haidet (USA) Donnelly Sports
0:02:20
11
Tobin Ortenblad (USA) Santa Cruz / Donkey Label Racing
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.
