Johnson, Wyman, Gagne win at Green Mountain
New England series open in Williston, Vermont
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Tim Johnson and Helen Wyman were among the riders to kick off the 2013 Shimano New England Professional Cyclocross Series with wins at the Green Mountain Cyclocross Weekend in Williston, Vermont. Last weekend’s two-day event opened the NEPCX and amateur Verge New England series.
Wyman (Kona) topped Maghalie Rochette (Cyclocrossworld.com) in the women’s opener, with Crystal Anthony (Optum-Kelly Benefit Strategies) third and Maureen Bruno Roy (Bob’s Red Mill-Seven Cycles) fourth. Lyne Bessette (Cyclocrossworld.com) was fifth ahead of her return to Clif Bar CrossVegas on Wednesday.
Johnson (Cannondale-Cyclocrossworld.com), Bessette’s multiple-time national champion husband, was victorious in the men’s series opener on Saturday, besting Lukas Winterberg (Mueller Landscape-BH Bikes) and Raphael Gagne (Rocky Mountain) after a tight battle. Two-time U.S. ’cross champion Todd Wells (Specialized) was sixth.
Seven-time British champion Wyman doubled up on Sunday, again winning the women’s race ahead of Rochette and Anthony, second and third, respectively. Bessette was fourth with Bruno Roy fifth.
“I love the six weeks I spend racing here [in New England]. It’s brilliant to be here,” said Wyman.
Gagne flipped the script in the men’s race on Sunday, edging Johnson for the victory. Stephen Hyde (JAM Fund-NCC) was third and Justin Lindine (Redline-NBX) moved up one position from Saturday for fourth. After an early crash, Wells was sixth again.
The Shimano NEPCX and Verges series continue September 28-29 with the Gran Prix of Gloucester in Massachusetts.
