Hélène Clauzel claimed her third consecutive US Cyclocross Series victory with a thrilling sprint finish at Rochester Cyclocross, beating Maghalie Rochette to the line in the elite women’s C1 race. Clauzel, who had already won both days of the GO Cross event in Virginia, continued her strong form by outsprinting Rochette, the reigning USCX overall champion, who was making her season debut.
The race began with a group of favourites pushing the pace, including Clauzel, Rochette, and Manon Bakker. Sidney McGill and Caroline Mani kept the leaders within touching distance, but by the fourth lap, the trio of Clauzel, Rochette, and Bakker had managed to break away. McGill and Mani gave chase, but the leaders began to extend their advantage on the hilly 3km course at Genesee Valley Park.
With just two laps remaining, Clauzel and Rochette dropped Bakker, setting up a final-lap showdown between the pair. Clauzel proved to have the stronger legs, edging Rochette in the sprint to the finish. McGill held off Bakker to take the final podium spot, while Mani finished fifth, 18 seconds back.
The course, which featured the Wall run-up, Double Trouble in the woods, and the Belgian staircase, was challenging, though a new cobbled section was removed from the C1 event after several riders damaged their equipment during pre-rides. Riders will face the cobbles in Sunday’s C2 event, where the uphill direction promises a slower pace.
Photo Credit: GettyStrohmeyer takes commanding win in men’s race
Andrew Strohmeyer secured his third straight victory in the US Cyclocross Series, powering to a dominant solo win in the men’s C1 race. Strohmeyer attacked with four laps to go and was never challenged again, finishing 35 seconds ahead of Scott Funston.
The early stages of the race saw Curtis White lead the favourites, with Strohmeyer, Funston, and Tobin Ortenblad close behind. However, by the midway point, Strohmeyer, Funston, and Ortenblad had broken clear of the pack, with 18-year-old Henry Coote chasing in fourth place. Coote, who is returning from a hand injury, impressed by staying close to the leaders despite his recent struggles, eventually finishing fourth.
With four laps remaining, Strohmeyer launched a decisive solo attack, quickly pulling away from his rivals. Funston and Ortenblad worked together to try to bring him back, but Strohmeyer was simply too strong. Funston eventually managed to shake Ortenblad on the penultimate lap to secure second place, while Ortenblad rounded out the podium in third.
Coote couldn’t quite bridge the gap to the front three but held on for an impressive fourth-place finish. Meanwhile, White faded as the race went on, allowing Kerry Werner and Tyler Clark to battle for fifth place, with Werner ultimately coming out on top.
Rochester Cyclocross 2024 Women result
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Rochester Cyclocross 2024 Men result
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Main photo credit: Getty
