Photo by Sasha Eysymontt | flickr.com/photos/sashae
With a bit of a hole in the North American UCI calendar, many of the nations top riders are either taking some time off before beginning the second half of their season. However, the pair of UCI races in Hendersonville, NC this weekend provide an opportunity for many racers to grab valuable points to improve their starting position as the season winds down. Leading the charge in Hendersonville is Ben Berden who has had a very strong and consistent season. Berden will be looking to pick up maximum points both days and has to be the heavy favorite.
Looking to knock Berden off the top step will be a bevvy of North American riders. Canadian Mike Garrigan has had a solid season thus far and would love to pick up the victory in Hendersonville. New Englander Jerome Townsend is making the trip down south and should figure into the battle for the podium. Mid-west standout Brian Matter is making the trip East and while he may not be a favorite for victory, he could easily finish on the podium. Travis Livermon will try and use the home crowd (he lives in Winterville, NC) to help him towards victory.