The battle heats up at the finish in Bend, OR, for the final USGP Cross weekend - Johnson and Powers fight all the way to the line
The best men's Exergy USGP race of the year was reserved for the final round in Bend, OR, this past Saturday. For the blow by blow read the coverage on your favorite cycling news websites.
During the race Johnson and Powers said they did not speak to each other once as they fought like gladiators over the final 30 minutes of Saturday’s 65 minute race in the cold, fast, and dry conditions of the former national championship course. A course where Powers has never won. Johnson’s emotion and effort were present on his face as he hit Powers with everything he had, attacking consistently, opening countless small gaps, but never able to cut the chord. Powers, who is having his best season ever, leading the USGP series overall, has only recently dominated their racing relationship.
Johnson tried for the inside line on the final turn, Powers shut the door, and in the sprint Powers admittedly began celebrating too early. While Johnson surged again Powers shut the door. J-Pow apologized after the race for what could have been interpreted as a sign of disrespect. On the podium the two joked as they always do, as friends do. Like all great rivalries, there is a tension the exists between the two, but an incredible respect. The former teammates have battled for more than a decade on the dirt.
Johnson rides SRAM RED, and Zipp wheels. And while Johnson normally rides Avid Shorty Ultimate, he has opted for the Avid BB7 cable actuated disc brakes (we will profile TJ’s disc bike in the next week here on theroaddiaires).
Powers rides SRAM RED and Avid Shorty Ultimate brakes.
Powers (Rapha-Focus - SRAM, Avid) Johnson (Cannondale-Cyclocrossworld.com - SRAM - Zipp - Avid) and Danny Summerhill (Garmin - SRAM)
Belgian Ben Berden wins (Ops Ale) Avid Shorty Ultimate Holeshot….he rides SRAM and Avid also…
A lighthearted moment on the podium after the intensity of a great race
Andrea Smith wins the Avid Shorty Ultimate Holeshot in the Women’s race
The blur from the announcers stand, J-Pow and TJ one-two….
Teammates Teal Steson Lee and Meredith Miller give SRAM, Avid and Zipp the two and three spots in the Women’s race
Announcers Dave Towle and Brad Sohner give life to the information at every USGP
Images via Wil Mathews, Alex Wassmann and Michael Zellmann