The riders of Cannondale/Cyclocrossworld.com – Powers, Johnson, Driscol

The run that the three riders from the Cannondale/Cyclocrossworld.com team have put together in 2009 is more than impressive. Starting at CrossVegas, when Jamey Driscol stomped an all-star field, to last weekend’s two day dominance in Northampton, MA. America’s best cross team is comprised of Jamey Driscoll, Jeremy Powers, and Tim Johnson.

The three horseman never train together, they see each other on race day, and typically a race strategy is hatched onsite. They are experienced enough to know how to capitalize on their own riding strengths and their competitors weaknesses. Whatever the formula, it’s working. Team Director Stu Thorne’s says he leaves it up to his riders to decide what to do during the race. “My last minute advice often regards tricky sections of the course or most efficient utilization of neutral support. I might tell them not to use number one pit because the entrance is bad or that a section of the course is rough. We do not discuss what to do during the race, that’s their job to figure that out.”

There is strong potential that all three will be on the podium at December’s National Championships in Bed, OR. To date, the team has secured 15 wins.

Cannondale/Cyclocrossworld.com wins in 2009:
CrossVegas – 1st – Driscol
USGP #1 – day 1 – 1st – Powers
Cincinatti – day 1, 2 ,3 – 1st – Powers
Toronto – day 1 – 1st – Powers
day 2 – 1st – Johnson
USGP #2 – day 2 – 1st, 2nd, 3rd – Johnson, Powers, Driscol
Gloucester – 1st – Johnson
Providence – day 1 – 1st – Johnson
day 2 – 1st – Johnson
Longmont – 1st – Johnson
Boulder – 1st – Johnson
Northhampton – day 1 – 1st – Driscol
day 2 – 1st – Powers

Jamey Driscol is the easy going guy with a real engine and has come up to another level. Driscoll is smart and is learning from the best riders, his natural ability combined with his willingness to learn will only see him improve.

Tim Johnson is ‘Mr. Consistency’, the elder statesman and team leader. With seven of the teams wins this year and multiple national titles, he’s proven. Easily the grittiest rider, when the chips are down and the race is Johnson will never give up, and Johnson’s mental game is unmatched.

Jeremy Powers always pulls something out, very consistent and very talented. J-Pow’s bike handling skills are on par with the best and he wins in a range of conditions. He is poised to pull out a big win, perhaps a National Championship, and has already come so close.

The team rides the Cannondale CAAD9 CX with SRAM RED, and Zipp 303 wheels.