February 25, 2012
Thomas Turner (Jamis Factory Team) and Cherly Sornson (Team CF) took the top spots in their respective categories at the 50 mile Southern Cross Ultra CX race in Dahlonega, GA today, both in dominant fashion.
The conditions were perfect —a gorgeous, sunny day with a slight tinge of briskness to it due to strong winds. There were as many bare legs as warmer-clad ones out there. The course was dry but not dusty thanks to recent rain. Rain that only left a few, scattered frozen puddles as its calling sign.
In both the men's and women's races moves were made early, separation occurring on one of the early climbs. By aid station one, Turner and Sornson were in very similar positions, both minutes ahead of the competition...looking like overly-comfortable-soul-crushing-machines. When Turner came back through the aid station area for the second time, after about 18 more miles, he had only increased his ridiculous gap. Behind Turner, Stephen Hyde had separated himself from the chase group comprised of Charlie Storm, Zack Morrey, and Brian Toone.
Chasing Sornson, but not quite in her rear view, were Shannon Greenhill, Andrea Wilson, and Paula Burks. Selene Yeager looked good early on but ended up suffering multiple flats, which seemed to be the theme of the day — either you got no flats or you got five flats. There were definitely some gnarly rocks jutting out of the gravel road descents, laying in wait to hatchet-chop all those skinny cross tires if the riders weren't attentive.
Roger Masse (Trek 29er Crew) took the single-speed win and Gerry Pflug (Salsa Cycles/No-Tubes/Top Gear) took the 40+ win while also finishing 8th overall.
For the complete story...watch the interviews! We'll also have sweet Miniature Boogie Van follow-can footage from some of the hairball descents, Contour HD helmet-cam courtesy of Ernesto Marenchin, and other highlights.
