Smith Fends Off Van Gilder to go Two for Two at NBX Day Two – Report, Results, Gallery

An emphatic win for Andrea Smith. © Natalia Boltukhova | Pedal Power Photography

Fending off Laura Van Gilder (Mellow Mushroom), Andrea Smith (Ladies First Racing) took her second win in two days at the final race in the Shimano New England Professional Cyclocross Series with teammate Sally Annis (Crossresults.com p/b JRA Cycles) finishing second and Van Gilder chasing for third after suffering an untimely crash near the finish.

As with the men’s race, the lead group remained intact and large for most of the race with thirteen riders contending for the win. Smith and Annis patrolled the front with Van Gilder and Maureen Bruno Roy (Bob’s Red Mill p/b Seven Cycles) watching closely for the majority of the race.

With a lap and a half remaining, the faster paced had whittled the field down to five riders. Smith, Bruno Roy, Annis, Van Gilder and Crystal Anthony (Ladies First Racing) were the only ones to make the selection. Soon, the pace proved too much for Bruno Roy and Anthony, who both slipped out of the lead group on the final lap.

Exiting from the sand, Smith was first wheel and Van Gilder crashed on a rooted corner. Seizing the opportunity, Smith attacked and instantly had a gap of ten seconds. Van Gilder chased but was unable to reach Smith or react to an acceleration by Annis. However, Van Gilder’s third place finish was enough to give her the Shimano Series overall victory, netting her a paycheck of $5000.

Results after the gallery.