Podiums galore

The Evol Racing team returned to the Colorado cyclocross podiums on Saturday and Sunday after being stymied the weekend before at the Flatirons Mall race.

After dropping from second place to fourth the weekend prior, Spencer came out swinging in Saturday's Breaking Barriers race. The classic, twisty track in Golden was ideal for his riding style. He maintained control of the front group and eventually got a gap on Boulder Cycle Sport's Chris Baddick on a technical off-camber section. From there, Spencer rode the final two laps alone to win.

"Since this is a benefit for the Amy D. Foundation, it meant a lot to be able to win," he said. "But really, I just wanted to come out and support the race. Amy was a good friend, and I miss her, like I think we all do."

Super Sunday

The next day at Primalpalooza, also in Golden, Melissa got in on the action, finishing third behind Raleigh-Clement's young rising star, Laurel Rathbun and Feedback Sports' Caitlin Vestal.

"The race went out fast, and everyone was fighting for position on the first loose dirt corners," said Melissa. "Kate [who eventually finished eighth] had a great start, and I was able to grab her wheel off the line and find my way around a few more riders for good position into the first few turns. 

"I continued to push on the gas as much as possible throughout the race. The course had a great mixture of power and technical sections that kept me working hard and trying to find speed wherever possible. On the last lap or so I was closing in on Laurel, but didn't quite get there."

Melissa's race was particularly impressive because she had spent much of her morning coaching junior racers and fixing their numerous flat tires caused by goathead thorns, which were an issue for earlier races.

Photo: Dejan Smaic

As for Spencer, he actually benefitted from a flat tire. As he rode into the second lap, outright favorite Danny Summerhill suffered a puncture right after the pit, which ended his chances with the front group.

From then on, it was once again mano-a-mano, with Spencer and Chris Baddick riding much of the race together. 

On the final lap, Spencer got a slight gap, putting Chris on the ropes. However, the Briton clawed his way back and forced a two-up sprint into a headwind on the paved finish straight that could only be decided by the finish camera.

"The sprint was a dead heat," said Spencer. "Neither of us could tell who won. I was just lying on the ground after, so gassed. I must have won by only a few inches. You can never count Chris out. I'm just glad the line wasn't another 50 feet down the road."

Grant finished 15th and also netted a 12th place in the singlespeed race earlier on Sunday.