Austin’s Mud Proves Perfect for CX1 and HydroR

SRAM CX1 and HydroR take big wins including Elite and U23 Men

US Cross Nationals racing went off one day late with the efficiency of military drills and, regardless of a little chaos, it was some truly spectacular racing in surprisingly tough conditions at Austin’s beautiful Zilker Park.

Elite Men - In the Elite Men’s category Jeremy Powers pressed the pace early with the confidence of a guy hungry to silence doubters and take home his third national title. Powers said he would take whatever came and he did.

The confidence Powers’ demonstrated throughout the race could, according to him, be traced back to his training, his mechanic, and his equipment. Powers rode SRAM Force CX1, SRAM HydroR hydraulic brakes, and Zipp wheels to perfection. With an intensity rarely seen and emotion rarely felt, his post race comments reflected his hard-fought win and third title for the normally fun-loving J-Pow.

Elite Women - In the Elite Women’s race it was brilliant silver and bronze for SRAM athletes Kaitie Antonneau (Cannondale) and Rachel Lloyd (Cal-Giant/Specialized). Both athletes rode the full complement of SRAM Force CX1, SRAM HydroR road bikes as well as Zipp wheels.

U23 Men - The U23 race was Cal Giant-Specialized versus Cannondale-Cyclocrossworld.com as the three horsemen from the Berries – Owen, Eckmann and Ortenblad – battled with C'dale's Curtis White. Owen eventually rode away for his second consecutive U23 title, followed by Eckmann and White. The top five in the U23 race – including Dillman (Cyclocross network) and Ortenblad - all rode SRAM Force CX1.

U23 Women – Ellen Noble won riding SRAM Force with double chainrings. Despite the growth of the proven and purposeful CX1 1X (one-by single chainrings) on bikes for Cross, Noble proves that two chainrings can absolutely get the job done in even the worst of conditions.

Congrats to all our athletes for a great weekend of racing in Austin!