Ellison Park Cyclocross: Powers and Mani win Day 1 races

Jeremy Powers and Caroline Mani claimed the spoils on the first day of the Ellison Park Cyclocross Festival in Rochester N.Y.

Powers dominated Saturday’s UCI C1 men’s race. The Rapha-Focus rider attacked from the gun and stayed in the lead for the rest of the race to take the win well ahead of second-place Danny Summerhill. Cameron Dodge was third. Canada’s Evan McNeely, Mike Garrigan, and Aaron Schooler all showed well. McNeely finished 12th. Garrigan was 13th. Schooler ended 19th.

In the women’s C1 race, Mani won a tight battle with Meredith Miller and Courtenay McFadden. McFadden opened proceedings with an early attack which was soon matched by Mani. Mani then gained a small lead, as Miller bridged up to McFadden. The three came together then Mani rode away to take the win just ahead of Miller, who bettered McFadden in the contest for the final podium spots. For Canada, Maghalie Rochette finished sixth and Natasha Elliot finished 14th.

The racing will continue Sunday in Ellison Park with men’s and women’s UCI C2 races.