Battling a cold over the course of the week, Corsa Concepts-Castelli rider, Aaron Tuckerman, probably did not go into Sunday's race with the expectation that he would emerge with enough points to claim victory in the series. But, often enough, riders speak of poor sensations in their legs pre-race, and then put out remarkable performances. This may just be an example of that contradiction of perceived form on a given day.
Sunday's Barton Park stage, known for its quarry-sized stones that litter the course, was softened up only a bit from the previous day's rain, leaving much of the course dry. Since the series was on the line, the contenders came out strong, forming an elite group that pulled away, which included Tuckerman as well as his Corsa Concepts-Castelli teammate, Shannon Skerritt, and Molly Cameron (MetaFilter-Portland Bicycle Studio). Although not making Sunday's podium, Cameron and Skerritt will soon have their chances.
With Tuckerman the outright winner of the Cross Crusade Series, next weekend's battle for the remaining podium spots could see Castelli riders, Skerritt and Cameron taking the remaining steps. This would complete a clean sweep of the podium by the Castelli scorpion.
The women's podium on Sunday was impressive as well, with Alice Pennington (Upper Echelon Fitness) and Serena Bishop Gordon (Silverado Gallery-Sunnyside) finishing just behind French mountain bike pro, Julie Krasniak. Heading into next week's Cross Crusade finale, Castelli women riders look sure to sweep the overall podium for the Cross Crusade Series.