Jack Kisseberth (JAM/NCC) graced the podium for yet another weekend in elite cyclocross. He finished second place on day two of the NBX Gran Prix of Cyclocross in Warwick, Rhode Island. Kisseberth led an aggressive race with series leader Curtis White (Cannondale/Cyclocross World) on his wheel for much of the race.
"I felt like I rode better but Curtis was just a little stronger," Kisseberth said. "He opened a small gap on the sand with about two laps to go. I was able to keep it around 10 seconds, but could not close it. "
White said it took a full lap to get away from Kisseberth.
"It was a long, concerted effort," White said. "There were a few spots I felt he was slipping a little bit but a lot of places he was strong. He was really there the whole time."
The previous day, Kisseberth finished third in a tight sprint with former JAM Fund brethren Jeremy Durrin (Neon Velo). Kisseberth suffered a flat, pitted and caught back up to Durrin but didn't have the gas for the last kick.
"I'm fairly happy with the races," Kisseberth said. "I got beat by Durrin in a sprint for second on Saturday, and losing a sprint is always frustrating."
Jack Kisseberth talks to Dirtwire TV about his close finish with Jeremy Durrin at the Dec. 3 Gran Prix of Cyclocross.
Kisseberth is in good form. He's been on the podium in six UCI races over the past month including second and third places at NBX this weekend. In addition, he finished second at HPCX and second at Northampton International. He out-sprinted White two weeks ago to win the Supercross Cup-- his first UCI victory-- and the next day he finished third.
"I'm happy that I am consistently getting on the podium and that I can see how I am getting closer to someone like Curtis," Kisseberth said.
The NBX Gran Prix was the grand finale in the Vittoria Northeast Cyclocross Series (NECXS). Kisseberth ended up second place in the series behind White.
Jack Kisseberth led the men's elite field for several laps during the NBX Gran Prix of Cyclocross on Dec. 4, eventually getting second place. Watch Sunday's race highlights above.
Trent Blackburn (right) was the third U23 finisher at the Dec. 3 Gran Prix of Cyclocross. He finished 13th among all riders in the elite category.
Kisseberth wasn't the only JAM/NCC rider on the podium at NBXGP. Trent Blackburn was the third-place finisher among the U23 on Saturday and Jaden Wise won the junior men 9-14 both days, giving him the overall series championship among the youngest of guns. It was the 14-year-old's tenth victory of the season.
Jaden Wise (JAM/NCC) got the lead at the start of the junior 9-14 race and held it to the finish line, winning the race both days at NBX Gran Prix of Cyclocross and the Vittoria Northeast Cyclocross series. Photo by Aliicia Crowell Furrer.
Also in the men's elite race with Kisseberth and Blackburn were Coach Alec Donahue who finished 9th on Saturday and 11th on Sunday and Case Butler who finished inside the top 20 on Sunday, getting in 18th place after a 25th place finish on Saturday.
Natalie Tapias and Rhys May raced in the women's elite events both days. Anna Savage raced in the Cat 3, completing her 24th race of the season, and having finished every one.
Aiden Mapel raced in the Cat 4/5 with more than 120 riders at the start line.
Above: JAM/NCC racers shoulder their bikes on the long sandy beach run at Goddard Memorial Park in Warwick, Rhode Island. Three photos by Katie Busick Photography.
Talented cycling photographer Meg McMahon captured the finishing sprint between Jack Kisseberth and Jeremy Durrin on day one of the Gran Prix of Cyclocross.