Danny Summerhill (Felt-Holowesko Partners) claimed the Under 23 US National Cyclo-Cross Championships, holding off Chance Noble (California Giant Berry Farms) and Luke Keough (Champion Systems) yesterday in Bend, Oregon.
Summerhill dominated the muddy course showing that his silver medal at the Junior World Championships in 2007 was no fluke. The Garmin-Transitions development team rider was quick to establish a gap, following bronze medalist Keough as he poured on the gas on the moist grass.
The trio completed the first half lap together - amassing a considerable lead over the rest - who looked to have missed the boat as they were delayed by the crash marred start. It looked like the victory would be coming from one of the three leaders until Keough slid out on the gravel covered back-stretch. Summerhill and Noble took no time to get going, exchanging pulls over the next four laps.
Noble clearly had the upper hand in the technical muddy sections, while Summerhill powered over the long straights. Summerhill put the hammer down in the second to last lap, accelerating through an off-camber corner that caused Noble to hesitate.
Summerhill seized his chance and fought onwards soloing in 23 seconds ahead of Noble and nearly a minute ahead of Keough.
Summerhill’s win marks an unprecedented fourth National Championship win for Felt-Holowesko Partners, following Alex Howes’ wins in the road race and criterium events and Peter Stetina’s time trial title.