Helen made it 2 wins in a weekend at the second day of the Nittany Lions cyclo-cross in Philadelphia. Confident from yesterday’s victory, Helen got a better start and stretched out a lead of over 20 seconds in the first lap, only to have all of the advantage taken away with a puncture.

As Helen entered the pit, the chasing group of 3 past her, but a quick change and Helen caught and passed the others before the next obstacle on the course. She continued to build a lead and finished 1 minute 30 seconds up on her closest rival, Joyce Vandenbeken. Joyce has hit the season in great form and controlled the battle for 2nd from behind Laura van Gilder. One attack saw Joyce take an advantage which she never looked like giving up. Despite also suffering a puncture, Laura held on for 3rd place.

“2 out of 2 is as good as I could have asked for. I felt a lot better today, I think I got rid of some cobwebs yesterday. I can’t say my legs felt great, this course is a lot harder than it looks. I think I deserve an easy day now” said Helen after the race “I think next weekend is going to offer us all lots of very different challenges and I’m really looking forward to it. Fingers crossed I can put on a good show and keep the run going”

The season started very well for Helen in the USA with a win in this season’s opening cross, Nittany Lions. Helen took the lead on the first corner and extended her lead throughout the race. Joyce Vandenbeken provided strong competition in the opening laps and she continued to pull away from the local riders to take 2nd place.

“It’s always great to start the season with a win so I’m really happy. I came here wanting to win for Kona in their own country and I did just that.” said Helen after the race. “The course was great, the guys have put so much effort into the events over the weekend at a great venue with all the best facilities. With the live stream too they really are being progressive with their events here.”

Tomorrow Helen will be taking part in an event on the same course where she hopes to make it 2 out of 2 for the start of the season.

“Bring on tomorrow!”