(File photo © J. Maus)
In a thrilling final race of the 2009 Cross Crusade series yesterday, Molly Cameron (Portland Bicycle Studio) took her one point series lead over Sean Babcock (Team S&M) into the end of the final lap.
According to a report by Pat Malach in VeloNews, Cameron crashed trying to re-mount her bike on the day’s last run-up.
Cameron needed to take the win to hold on to her series lead and claim the Crusade crown, but Babcock rode a strong and steady race and managed to take the win yesterday in addition to the overall title. Erik Tonkin (Kona FSA) lead much of the race and pushed the pace. According to Malach, Tonkin’s strategy was to help the young Babcock:
“Tonkin has made no secret that he’s been working to get the series win for his protégé Babcock, and his full-throttle style soon shed everyone but Cameron…”
Read the full report and see photos on VeloNews.com. Also, watch the action on a film of the race made by John Wilson.
The Crusade might be over, but there’s still plenty of cyclocross action left. Kruger’s Crossing (featuring a dog race) is coming this Sunday out on Sauvie Island, the U.S. Gran Prix of Cyclocross comes to Portland on December 5-6th and the Cyclocross National Championships will be held in Bend December 10-13th.
We’re planning on getting out to several more ‘cross races, so stay tuned for more coverage and photos. See all of our coverage of the 2009 season on our Special Section Page.