‘Crossers find the sun in L.A., Nash and Driscoll prevail

After the November chill of Iowa, Kentucky and Ohio, the US cyclocross scene has found the sun in Los Angeles, California at the CXLA weekend. Saturday’s opening day action in Griffin Park near the Greek Theater saw Katerina Nash (Czech Republic/Luna) and James Driscoll (USA/Raleigh-Clement) triumph in the elite races. In the men’s race Canadian Trek Red Truck racers Michael van den Ham and Craig Richey placed 7th and 10th respectively.

Nash, winner of two of the three Jingle Cross races November 14 to 16 in Iowa, dominated the women’s event, taking a minute’s lead into the final lap. American Amanda Miller (Team Tibco-To the Top) was runner-up while Courtney McFadden, who prevented Nash from sweeping Jingle Cross, was third, edging out Nicole Duke (Marin/Spy). In 2013 Nash won both days of CXLA.

In the men’s race, Zach McDonald (Cyclocross Project 2015) led through the first lap’s sand pit, but soon was overtaken by the podium men. Winner of the last day of Jingle Cross, Driscoll stayed ahead of Beijing Olympic Games mountain biker Adam Craig (USA/Giant Factory) and Belgian teammate Ben Berden, who took day one honours of Jingle Cross and the second day of the 2013 CXLA.

CXLA continues Sunday with temperatures expected to reach 24 degrees.