Milne wins on day one of NBX Gran Prix

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CyclocrossWorld.com rider Shawn Milne earned his first UCI win by escaping from a lead group of five late in the race. Canadian rider, Michael Garrigan (Stage – Race/Blacksmith Cycle), desperately hunting UCI points to earn a place on the Canadian World Championships squad, finished in second place ahead of RMG Watches – Richard Sachs rider Dan Timmerman.

Milne and Garrigan were both caught out of the original lead group of three, which included Timmerman, Justin Lindine (Redline), and Nick Keough (www.keoughcyclocross.com). Just when it looked like the winner of the race would come from this trio, Milne and Garrigan bridged to the group on the fourth lap of the eight lap event.

“I felt comfortable from the beginning of the race,” said Milne. “I knew I had the energy to get to the leaders so I took my time getting there.”

With 2.5 laps remaining, Milne opened a small gap on the lead group, now five strong, heading into the steep ride up after the long, sweeping, paved finish stretch. Behind Milne, Lindine did the bulk of the work trying to bring back Milne, but with a half lap remaining, Milne had stretched his lead to nearly 20 seconds and he safely rolled in alone for the biggest win of his short cyclocross career.

Knowing he needed as many UCI points as possible in his effort to make the Canadian Worlds squad, Garrigan attacked the chase group and took the lead before the final tight, rooted sections heading into the finish and secured a second place finish.

“I need to win tomorrow to make the Canadian Worlds team,” said Garrigan.

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