Nash solos to victory on Providence Cyclo-cross Festival opening day

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Katerina Nash (Luna Pro Team) won the women's race at the Providence Cyclo-cross Festival, attacking out of a breakaway group to take the win. Elle Anderson (California Giant/Specialized) was second, with Katie Compton (Trek Cyclocross Collective) third.

The three women attacked almost immediately after the start. Meredith Miller (California Giant/Specialized) and Crystal Anthony (Optum p/b Kelly Benefit Strategies) gave chase but could never catch the leading trio. Nash, of the Czech Republic, attacked again out of the group, forcing the two Americans to work together in pursuit of the Luna rider. While Nash crashed late in the race, she nonetheless had enough of a buffer to maintain her lead and solo in for the victory.

Compton had come into the race as the top favourite. She is a nine-time US champion, who is successful in both European and US races. It was her first 'cross race of the season as well as her first appearance at the Roger Williams Park since the US nationals in 2005 and 2006, where she took the title both times. Nash won recently at CrossVegas, and Anderson was coming off a four-race win streak having swept the weekend races at the Trek Cyclocross Collective Cup followed by the Gran Prix of Gloucester.