first-ever GNCC overall , but more importantly he would force the points battle to carry over to the next round before the title could be decided . Ashburn was ten seconds behind as the riders headed out for one more lap around the tough Burr Oak course .
Jordan Ashburn knew what was on the line and wanted to wrap it up early . The rider from the Volunteer state put his head down and would re-pass Delong on the final lap and pull away . With nearly twelve seconds separating himself and the Pennsylvania native , Jordan Ashburn crossed the line , after ten years and 122 starts as a Pro , claiming his second career victory , and with it the 2022 Grand National Cross Country championship .
“ I put myself in a good position early on but Craig passed me in the second pit and I knew I had to put my head down to get him . Craig was riding well and he made me work for it .” Ashburn said after the race .
Rockstar Energy Husqvarna teammates Delong and Duvall would round out the podium , with Russell and Toth finishing off the top five .
In the XC2 250 Pro class , an unlikely chain of events would give Lyndon Snodgrass the championship . As the field rocketed off the starting line , it was Cobram Estate KTM backed Gus Riordan grabbing the holeshot and leading the field into the woods .
JOSH TOTH
ON THE PEGS // PAGE 94