Maghalie Rochette wins women's Really Rad Festival of Cyclocross opener

Maghalie Rochette (Canyon Collective) secured the victory at the Really Rad Festival of Cyclocross opener, putting out the fastest lap of the race on the last lap of the circuit in Falmouth, Massachusetts.

Rochette crossed the finish line 19 seconds ahead of runner-up Caroline Mani (Groove Off-Road Racing) and 23 seconds ahead of Sidney McGill (Cervélo/OrangeLiving) in third place.

"The most challenging aspect was that it was a super fast course, but with no big hill or technical section that could create a big gap, so that made it hard racing," Rochette said. 

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"I started fast, Sidney was with me, which made me nervous because I didn't think I could go much faster than that. I was able to get in front of her before the second sand pit and pinned it there. I heard that I had a time gap, so I accelerated there, where there was wind. 

"Sidney and Caroline were right there. I don't think my gap was ever bigger than 15 seconds and they made it tough."

The double-race weekend closes out the USCX series.

Rochette led the field from the start line and onto the grass, but over the barriers and into the sand pit, two leaders emerged: Rochette and McGill.

The pair of Canadians built a lead out to 15 seconds as a group of seven riders chased: Jenaya Francis, Mani, Katie Clouse, Raylyn Nuss, Lauren Zoerner and Kaya Musgrave.

McGill took the lead on lap two as Rochette moved into second wheel, and they crossed through the finish with a healthy lead. However, on the third lap, Rochette opened a gap on her compatriot, going solo in pursuit of the victory.

On the penultimate lap, Mani distanced the large chase group in pursuit of McGill for the runner-up spot on the podium. 

As Rochette pushed her lead out to 19 seconds, the race for second place heated up as Mani connected with McGill on the last lap.

Rochette crossed the line with the victory, and with enough time to look back and watch Mani race in for second place, McGill was forced to settle for third.

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