Elle Anderson, Jeremy Powers win round 1 of 2013 Gran Prix of Gloucester

Elle Anderson (California Giant-Specialized) and Jeremy Powers (Rapha-Focus) won the first round of the Great Brewers Gran Prix of Gloucester on Saturday.

The first races of the Shimano New England Professional Cyclocross Series presented by Verge were run in dry, dusty and fast conditions at the seaside Stage Fort Park in Gloucester, Massachusetts.

Helen Wyman (Kona Factory Racing) took charge early in the women’s race. But Anderson, Gabby Durrin (Rapha-Focus), and Crystal Anthony (Optum-Kelly Benefit Strategies) matched her move for move, with Caroline Mani (Raleigh-Clement) and Meredith Miller (California Giant-Specialized) chasing.

Anderson made a bold attack with one lap to go. And as Wyman lost contact with Durrin and Anthony, Anderson’s hard work paid off — she crossed the line with a nine-second advantage over Durrin in second. Anthony held on for third.

In the men’s race, Ben Berden (Raleigh-Clement) pushed the pace right off the bat, creating a lead group containing teammate Jamey Driscoll, Ryan Trebon (Cannondale-Cyclocrossworld), and U23 national champion Yannick Eckmann (California Giant-Specialized).

Chasing were Shawn Milne (Keough Cyclocross), Tim Johnson (Cannondale-Cyclocrossworld), and Jeremy Durrin (Optum-Kelly Benefit Strategies).

Johnson eventually connected with the leaders as teammates Berden and Driscoll traded attacks on the group. Powers then bridged up, bringing Milne and Jesse Anthony with him.

More attacks shattered the group, and Powers, Trebon, and Johnson rode away, leaving Berden and Driscoll seconds behind. Trebon fell back to fifth after a flat, leaving Powers and Johnson to duke it out for the win.

Powers attacked in the last half lap to win that battle, with Johnson taking second and Driscoll third.

The Gran Prix of Gloucester continues Sunday.