Former National Champion Todd Wells (Specialized) put himself in the right places at the right times and held on for a suffer-filled but satisfying victory at day one of Portland’s US Gran Prix of Cyclocross.

Wells said he suffered way more than he wanted to when lanky but powerful Ryan Trebon (Kona) was drilling the pace early. Trebon was looking to take advantage of the race traffic that held up his long time nemesis Tim Johnson and his teammate Jamey Driscoll (Cannondale/Cyclocrossworld.com).

A leading group of four grew their lead and it eventually came down to Jeremy Powers (Cannondale/Cyclocrossworld.com) and Wells, both SRAM RED equipped, continuously attacking each other. Out of the final turn both had obviously emptied the tanks but Wells held a small gap that he was able to maintain despite J-Pows best sprinting efforts.

Wells and Powers attacked each other constantly during the final laps

Wells had a late start to his season and was off the bike for a few weeks with an infection. His timing could not be better as the USGP wraps up Sunday and next week the riders head to Bend, OR, for Cross Nationals. Wells said he suffered more than he wanted to but it’s a good boost of confidence at the perfect time of the season.

Wells then Powers out of the final turn…

Katerina Nash (Luna) won the Women’s race and secured the USGP Leaders Jersey, but it was the tiny but incredibly tenacious Amy Dombroski (Primus Mootry, Schlamm, SRAM) staying close to Nash’s wheel the entire race to finish second. Dombroski commented on her improvement, noting that she is staying closer and closer to Katerina each week, and she has stayed healthy and not tried to do too much aside from racing.

For her efforts the SRAM Force equipped Dombrsoki won the SRAM Most Aggressive Rider Award. The Men’s winner was Zack McDonald, who started dead last (84th) and moved up the entire hour of racing to finish 10th.

SRAM Most Aggressive Rider Amy Dombroski (Primus Mootry, Schlamm, SRAM)

Todd Wells chats with me post race