Powers wins back-to-back at Gran Prix of Gloucester

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Jeremy Powers (Rapha Focus) upped his game on the final two laps of the Gloucester Grand Prix and capped off the weekend with his second win. Cannondale teammates Ryan Trebon and Tim Johnson worked mightily to keep Powers in check but had to settle for second and third respectively, finishing just four seconds behind. Ben Berden (Raleigh Clement) was in the mix all weekend and finished fourth. Stephen Hyde (JAM Fund/ NCC/ Vittoria) came from nowhere this year to be battling the top riders for podium spots. He finished fifth today.

The Sunday Gloucester course was fast and very dusty in spots. It was difficult for riders to break away since drafting and team tactics were in play. Powers took the hole-shot but then a whole series of riders led during the initial 50 minutes of the race. Initially Craig Richey (VOmax) led, but Jamey Driscoll (Raleigh Clement), Ben Berden, Jeremy Durrin (Optum Pro Cycling), Tim Johnson, and Ryan Trebon all took shots at the front.

Trebon's attack appeared like it might stick as he opened a gap with two other riders on the lower part of the course. It all came together, however, on the pavement. Tim Johnson opened an 11-second gap with three laps to go, but Powers himself closed down the dangerous move.

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As Trebon led Johnson and Powers through the start/finish area with one lap to go, Powers made the winning move. Worried about the team tactics he might be subjected to by the Cannondale boys, he shot by them both just as they left the pavement for the last time.

Powers said, "I did skirt right by them right here (as they left the pavement) and that was probably the move that saved the race for me for sure. It was well timed. It was really loud in the crowd, so I knew they wouldn't be able to hear my bike coming by."

As it turned out, Johnson had to make a bike change on the final lap which probably cost him any chance of challenging for the win.

Although Powers could be seen riding as far back today as eighth position, he did not feel that he was in danger. He said, "I went within my zone all day and added a little bit in the end. I didn't feel bad....yesterday I was a little bit too far back. Even with two to go you're seeing six, seven guys. It's a fast, tight track today so you're going to see a group and there is nothing you can really do about that."

He added, "The young guys are getting their respect and the old guys are just out there doing their thing. I call myself one of the old guys now."