Official Results: Kenda Cup West #1

Official Results and Story: Kenda Cup West #1

The highly anticipated US Cup (Sho-Air, Kenda, Specialized) kicked off today at Bonelli Park in San Dimas, exceeding expectations in every way. Driving into the venue, the changes and improvements were obvious. From the giant black and red blow-up Kenda arch to the newly detailed trailer, gates and start-finish banner, all in black with red trim.

Turnout was huge, parking was scarce and the races were delayed about 15 minutes due to massive lines at registration. Even with the large fields, the races ran smoothly. Thank you to Scott Tedro and Ty Kady of Sho-Air, Jim Wannamaker of Kenda, Tom Spiegel of Team Big Bear, the volunteers and everyone else who made this happen.

The heat was a huge factor, temperatures for the 12:45 pro race were in the mid-80s, a jump from winter to summer weather overnight. On the first climb, it was obvious Melanie McQuaid (Sho-Air/Specialized) was the one to beat, but the hot weather could take any of the riders down. Krista Park (NoTubes/Magura) did well in the Los Olivos heat last year, and she factored that into her game plan. “I raced conservatory for the first two laps, not letting Melanie get too far ahead and making sure I did not overheat.” Park said after the race. On the third lap Park decided it was time to go to work. Picking up the pace she closed the gap on 3-time XTERRA Champ McQuaid and took the win by over a minute.

While Park has been racing on the national scene for several years Bonelli Park represents her first win in a major race. After the race, a very excited Parks said “Todd (her husband) was out of town for work this week, but my mother-in-law Barbara supplied a plane ticket so he could fly in for the day to support me, I couldn’t have done it without him. Thanks Barbara!”

No sooner had the race finished as Park headed straight to her post Race Clinic where she helps pass on her knowledge to other female mountain bikers. The NoTubes/Magura rider will be hosting a clinic at several rounds of the US Cup and Kenda Cup West this year.

In the Men’s race, former Aussie National Champion Sid Taberlay (Sho-Air/Specialized) squeaked out a hard fought win over teammate Sam Jurekovic. Kenda/Hayes rider Andy Schultz came home in third place.

Writing by: Krista Park
Editing by: Shannon Boffeli

Bonelli Park, Caifornia

Pro Men
1, Sid Taberlay (Sho-Air/Specialized) 1:48:03
2, Sam Jurekovic (Sho-Air/Specialized) 1:48:19
3, Andy Schultz (Kenda/Hayes) 1:50:19
4, Sean Donovan (Cytomax/KHS) 1:57:185, Manuel Prado (Kenda/Hayes) 1:57:22

6, Emmanuel Valentia (Turbo)

7, Charles Jenkins (Cytomax/KHS)

8, Adam Snyder (3-D Racing)

9, Dana Weber (Trek)

10, Menso De Jong (Santa Cruz Bicycles)

11, Michael Lee (Oakley)

12, Michael Telega (California Giant Berry)

13, Miguel Valadez (Mex-America)

14, Romolo Forcino (Bear Valley Bikes)

15, Hal Helbock (Cytomax/KHS)

16, Miles Neisser (Arts Cyclery)

17, Justin Maka (SDG/Zonic/Tekbolt)

18, Matthew Connors (Gary Fisher 29er Crew)

19, Peter Anderson (Capbols Racing)

20, Tom Koerner (Bear Valley Bikes)

21, Ryan Clark (Cynergy)

22, Leonardo Sandoval

23, Jason Siegel (Bear Valley Bikes)

24, Scott McKelvey (Palms Springs)

25, Paul Freiwald (Kenda)

26, Chad Stoehr (Blue Competition)

27, Matt Freeman (Pass PT/Gary Fisher)

28, Alex Boone (Helens/Subaru)

29, Ben Sullivan (Red Rock Racing)

30, Noah Holcomb (Cannondale Factory)

31, David Williams

32, Chad Elmer (Bear Valley Bikes)

DNF  Ray Storm (Pronghorn)

DNF John Nobil (Bear Valley Bikes)

DNF Eric Bierman (Steven K)

DNF Derek Hermon (Bear Valley Bikes)

Pro Women
1, Krista Park (NoTubes/Magura) 1:40:40
2, Melanie McQuaid (Sho-Air/Specialized) 1:42:11

3, Natasha Hernday (Amgen) 1:44:16
4, Heather Ranoa (Intense Cycles) 1:52:24
5, Joy Duerkson (Pass PT) 1:53:14

6, Sarah Kaufmann (Titus/Roaring Mouse)

7, Carolyn Popovic (Bear Valley Bikes)
DNF Jamie Stamps (Bicycle Planet)

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