CrossVegas, the first UCI C1 race on the calendar was already brimming with talent, but the last-minute appearance of Lance Armstrong (his flight landed an hour before the start) amped up the racing under the lights on a course that suited pure power over technique. Defending champion Ryan Trebon took the win with a late surge from the lead selection. Lance, wearing his signature yellow and black Livestrong kit, really seemed to be enjoying himself. He chatted with other riders during the warm up and got a few tips about course direction for the first lap with its extra high-speed straight.
He took a couple of hard spills on the course, but bounced back on the bike and rode on, bloodied (a minor scrape on his left knee) in the third group.
Katie Compton won the woman's race after a strong challenge from Katerina Nash who led going into the last few corners.
Next time, I'm shooting cyclocross at night I'm bringing a ladder, two soft boxes and remotes. Tough.