Geoff Kabush leads the field in Fontana
Pro XC Tour Heads South
This Sunday the elite of North American mountain biking will be heading to the Southland to do battle in the heat and humidity of Birmingham, Alabama. While the Bump ‘n Grind is in it’s 14th year, 2009 will be it’s debut on the U.S. National circuit. Organizers of the Bump ‘n Grind will be unveiling a new racecourse for the showcase Pro event. The circuit will be 5.4 miles with a mix of singletrack, road, and bridges. With only 500 feet of climbing per lap and few opportunities to create space between racers some tight racing and close finishes should be expected.
For the first time since the opening round in Fontana, the Pro men’s race will feature all the top racers. Sunday’s main event will have top guns Geoff Kabush (Rocky Mountain/Maxxis), Adam Craig (Giant), and Todd Wells (Specialized). All three have been doing battle on the World Cup circuit and now return to treat the U.S. fans to an all out showdown.
Kabush has to be the odds on favorite as the Canadian has rarely been defeated on U.S. soil. Wells can be expected to challenge for the top spot if he can escape the mechanical problems that have plagued him this season.
U.S. National Champion Adam Craig
Along with Craig, Subaru/Gary Fisher riders Jeremy Horgan-Kobleski and Sam Schultz should be spending plenty of time at the front of the race. Look out for Barry Wicks and his Kona teammate Ryan Trebon to use their big engines to try and power away on the relatively flat racetrack. Max Plaxton (Sho-Air/Specialized) has the skill to compete at the World Cup level but has stayed stateside focusing on the Pro XC Tour. He should be rested up and ready to take on Kabush and company.
Look for Southern boys Sam Koerber (Gary Fisher 29er Crew) and Robert Marion (Kenda/KMC/Hayes) to try and do something special in front of a home crowd. Both riders have the experience and strength to produce a top-10 finish.
The women’s race features a small but talented field including perennial favorites Georgia Gould and Catharine Pendrel (Luna Pro Team). The most interesting addition to this Sunday’s race will be Lea Davison (Rocky Mountain/Maxxis). Davison, who had her best season in 2008, has been absent from the opening rounds of the Pro XC Tour. Keep a close eye on her for a top finish in Alabama.
Pua Sawicki and Kelli Emmett will be shoulder to shoulder again in Alabama
Other big hitters in the field will be Willow Koerber and Heather Irmiger (Subaru/Gary Fisher) along with Kelli Emmett (Giant), Katie Compton (Spike Shooter) and Pua Sawicki (Ellsworth).
The inaugural Pro XC Tour race is Alabama should be an exciting one. Check back with MTBracenews.com on Sunday for the most up-to-date race results from Pro XC Tour #3.
Writing and Photos by: Shannon Boffeli
