First US Cup Contest Winner Announced,Team Sho-Air/Specialized signs Melanie McQuaid

Hayes Lucky 12 Contest Winner: Phillip Beckman

The U.S. Cup is pleased to announce the first Hayes Lucky 12 contest winner. Philip Beckman, a CAT 1 (Expert) 50-54 racer from Arrowhead Lake, CA is the first rider to score the Interbike package, plus a Hayes ride kit including: Manitou R7 Fork, Black Flag wheel set and Hayes Stroker Gram brakes. Congratulations to Philip, we’ll see you in Vegas!

Each winner of the Hayes Lucky 12 Contest receives:
- Round trip airfare to Las Vegas
-Two nights hotel stay
- $250 spending money
- Access to Interbike show at Sands Convention Center
- Participate in Hayes promotion at Interbike tradeshow booth
- Interview with USA Cycling at Interbike tradeshow booth
- Free entry into the U.S. Cup unification “Shootout” round in Vegas on Sept. 26

- Hayes Ride Kit-Each of the "Hayes Lucky 12" will receive a complete cross-country component package, including a Manitou R7 MRD fork, Hayes Stroker Gram brakes, and a Sun Ringlé Black Flag wheel set.

- Pit space and Hayes technical support for winners at unification race in Las Vegas

Stay tuned to MTBracenews.com for full coverage of the opening round of the Kenda Cup West this weekend from Bonelli Park in San Dimas, California.
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 Team Sho-Air/Specialized welcomes Xterra World Champ:

The Sho-Air/Specialized factory domestic XC squad has added 3X Xterra World Champion Melanie McQuaid to their team roster. The Canadian rider is one of the most respected and decorated athlete’s on the Triathlon circuit, and will race along side team riders Sid Taberlay, Sam Jurekovic, and Manny Prado. Melanie will be using select U.S. Cup events as preparation for the 2009 Xterra Championships and the Sho-Air/Specialized team will be home base for the likeable rider. For more on Melanie McQuaid visit her website at: racergirl.com/.

News Flash: Thieves Raid Zabriskie's Home During Tour Of California

While Garmin-Slipstream rider David Zabriskie was cleaning up at last week's Tour of California road race, finishing second, thieves were cleaning out his home in Salt Lake City. The Salt Lake Tribune reported today that thieves made off with over $200,000 in merchandise from the former Olympian and Yellow Jersey wearer's home.

Authorities believe the burglary occured sometime between February 13th and 23rd. It is believed the burglars gained entrance to Zabriskie's home through a broken window. The stolen items include two vehicles, approximately 12 bikes, and personal Olympic memorabilia. Much of the stolen goods are of a very unique nature and police expect some of the stolen items to show up at pawn shops or on online auction sites like EBay. Zabriskie's family is asking anyone with information to call the Salt Lake City Police Department at 799-INFO.

Below is a list of the items stolen from Zabriskie's home. We ask MTBracenews.com viewers to be vigilant for any of the stolen items and please contact the Salt Lake City police with information that may be helpful in bringing these criminals to justice.

Items stolen from cyclist David Zabriskie's home include:
-Black 2008 Subaru Outback, Utah plate A189NC
-Black 2006 Scion, Utah plate 094VWM
-Giro D Italia race medal
-Olympic Seiko watch
-Beijing Olympic ring (silver) with initials "DZ" engraved ($4,000)
-Olympic time trial bike, plus 12 other bikes (combined value of $100,000)
-Cervelo (black/red) bike frame -- team issued ($5000)
-Tag Heuer watch ($6,000)
-Bose speaker/receiver system ($15,000)
-Sony 52" flat screen TV ($4,000)
-Two MacBooks and one Mac desktop, plus hard drive ($8,000)
-A pair of Space legs, a recovery compression system for legs ($5,000)
-Seven Marvel sideshow statues ($11,000) including two- to three-foot statues of figurines including "Hellboy" pistol; "Ash" Army of Darkness; "Tomb Raider" Lara Croft; "The Punisher; "Alien"; "Ironman" and a "Gears of War" character.
Source: Salt Lake City Police Department

It is unknown at this time if Zabriskie's colonic enema machine was taken during the burglary.
Written by: Shannon Boffeli

Results: 12 Hours of Santos; USAC Ultra-Endurance National Calendar #2

Written by: Greg Gibson
Photos by: Wes Lamberson

12 Hours of Santos; Ocala, Florida
Race #2 on USA Cycling Ultra Endurance National Calendar

The start finish and most of the pits for the 12 Hours of Santos were located down in what looks like an old stone quarry. The race was held on the Vortex trail system which consists of a super technical inner loop and a flat fast flowing outer loop. The inner loop wound in and out and up and down around the cliffs surrounding the old quarry. Racers could hear the announcers and the music and during the night hours everyone could watch the lights swirl around the outside of the venue. The course was shorter than average, (about 40 minutes for the leaders) this made it great for spectators and some close racing . The late morning start gave racers plenty of time to cool off, rehydrate a little, and race with their lights .

In the main event it was Harlan Price(Independent Fabrications) who stole the show. From the start he put himself out front with a group of local pros entered in the six hour event, and rode away from them off the front. Harlan repeatedly put down the dayʼs fastest laps even with his pit stops. Rob Lichtenwalner (VisitPa/Cannondale) hovered a few minutes back all day having a consistent race ready for Harlan to crack. Ernesto Marenchin (Speedgoat ), a regular at endurance races around the country , also had a consistent day finishing a strong third. The three men where the only solo riders to complete 16 laps.

The womenʼs race was won by Rita Jett Borelli (unattached) ,completing 12 laps. In second place independent rider Annette Lamberson finished 

strong on the same lap ahead of seasoned endurance racer Sandra Tomlinson (Open Road), who finished a lap down due to a light failure.

The park had more to offer than just the xc trails, less than a stones throw away is huge dirt jump park and the entire local is filled with jumps, bridges, teeter totters, drops, and free ride lines down the quarryʼs cliff walls, not exactly what I would have thought I would find in Florida.

Dave and Terry, the race promoters from GoneRiding.com, as usual, put on a flawless event. Accurate results where always updated quickly. There was plenty of free food and plenty of schwag to go around. Specialized and GT where onsite with a fleet of high end bikes for the public to thrash test. Cheers to an awesome weekend of racing.

Open Men
1, Harlan Price 16 laps
2, Rob Lichtenwalner 16 laps
3, Ernesto Marenchin 16 laps
4, Kevin Hofmann 15 laps
5, Mike Christpher 14 laps
6, Russell Peelman 13 laps
7, Scott Summey 11 laps
8, Harvey Minton 10 laps
9, John Moorhouse 9 laps
10, Adam Dewitt 6 laps

Open Women
1, Rita Jett Borelli 12 laps
2, Annette Lamberson 12 laps
3, Sandra Tomlinson 11 laps
4, Carol Clemens 9 laps
5, Kristy Coale 7 laps
6,Tracey Wallace 5 laps
Click Here for full results

Current Standings; USAC Ultra-Endurance National Calendar

Pro Men

1-tie, Bryan Fawley-60 points
1-tie, Harlan Price-60
3-t, JT Cody-40
3-t, Ernesto Marenchin-40
5-t, Sean Sindt-30
5-t, Kevin Hoffman-30
7-t, Rick Wetherald-25
7-t, Michael Christopher-25
9-t, David Hanes-20
9-t, Russell Peelman-20

Pro Women

1-tie, Rebecca Rusch- 60 points
1-t, Rita Borelli- 60
3-t, Alice Pennington- 40
3-t, Sandra Tomlinson- 40
5-t, Claire McKenna- 30
5-t, Tracey Wallace- 30
7, Melanie Etherton- 25
8, Danielle Musto- 20
9, Sara Krause- 18

News: US Cup Gives Food To Starving Bikers, BC Bike Race Introduces Solo Category

U.S. Cup Opening Round at Bonelli Park to feed 500 racers with In N Out Burgers

When is the last time you got a free cheeseburger for going to a bike race? Never? That's about to change if you attend this weekend's openng round of the U.S. Cup in San Dimas, California.

The U.S. Cup presented by Specialized has announced that it will be pulling out all the stops at the opening round of the Kenda Cup West series by hiring the In N Out cook out trailer to feed five hundred racers at the March 1st event.


The first five hundred hungry racers to register for the opening round of the Kenda Cup West event at Bonelli Park will receive a ticket for a free In N Out cheeseburger, drink and bag of chips as a show of appreciation for their participation in the U.S. Cup Series. Qualifying registered racers will be met with a full blown In N Out cook out trailer serving up famous In N Out burgers starting from 12:30 pm to 2:30pm. Spectators, family and friends also have the option of purchasing lunch from the In N Out cook out trailer during the two-hour serving period for an additional charge. Racers may pre enter or sign up the day of the event to qualify for the offer, first five hundred registered racers only will be fed free of charge. To pre register for the Kenda Cup West event at Bonelli Park racers may go to the following website links: www.uscup.net

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 BC Bike Race Introduces Solo Categories

The Ultimate Singletrack Experience is offering participants the option to ride solo. Now in its third year, BC Bike Race proudly announces the addition of three Solo categories: Open Men, Men 40+ and Open Women.

Solo category riders will experience the full 7 days of racing and will be added to the already successful competitive 2 person team format and the recreational 2, 3, 4 and 5 person team formats that require two riders on the course at any given time.

BC Bike Race is a journey from Vancouver to Whistler through the legendary singletrack of British Columbia on trails built by mountain bikers for mountain bikers – an adventure destined to be a highlight in any rider’s year. BC Bike Race management is understandably excited that while in just its third year the race has accomplished so much including closing in on the goal of being the most “fun” mountain biking event out there.

“With this move to include solos in a traditionally team dominated discipline we will be stepping into unknown territory. We at BC Bike Race felt that many people were having difficulty locating team partners, especially those not from a large cycling center. We are addressing this problem by adding the solo categories and wish to make sure that everybody can participate in our event,” said BC Bike Race Racer Relations Manager, Kathy Lilyholm.

This announcement follows hot on the heels of a recently unveiled new route for 2009 that includes a start in Vancouver, roll over the Lions Gate Bridge and journey onto the legendary North Shore trails in Day 1 alone. These and additional Days 2 and 3 route changes have combined to add even more of the amazing singletrack that continues to elevate the BC Bike Race into a class of its own.

The new BC Bike Race Solo category opens the door for all mountain bike enthusiasts to come to BC June 28-July 4 to immerse themselves in what race organizers are calling the ultimate 7-day mountain bike experience.

For More information: www.bcbikerace.com

News: Transrockies Announces 3-Day Solo Event, US Cup Launches Web Site

Transrockies Announces New Event
TR3, a three-day solo race, added to 2009 event

North America’s original epic multiday mountain bike race is back in 2009 for an 8th year of unmatched adventure, scenery and camaraderie. 

 

This year, the TransRockies is stepping up the intensity with TR3, an exciting new three-day solo event that will run concurrently with the first three days of the TransRockies.

Whether for riders who are challenged to make a commitment to the full week of riding, or first-timers looking for a stepping stone to participation in the full epic, the TR3 will provide a full TransRockies experience with great riding and full on-course support from the most professional and effective organization in the sport.

Though shorter in length, the TR3 will still provide an epic backcountry test for riders with a planned routing that will take them from Panorama Mountain Village to Nipika Mountain Resort during the first two days and finish with a time-trial loop around the amazing Nipika trail system on Day 3. Riders will cover between 150 and 200km over the three days with a stiff dose of climbing guaranteed by traversing major passes in and out of the mighty Columbia River Valley. Riders will compete in three categories (Open Men, Open Women, Master 40+ Men) will be featured and rewarded in the nightly awards ceremonies and will have their own leaders' jerseys, and daily and overall prizes.

The declining Canadian dollar gives US riders a further incentive as their real cost is up to 20 per cent lower than it was in 2008 while the $499 (CDN) early bird pricing and a la carte support options (see website for full details) of the TR3 offer the epic racing experience at an unprecedented price point.

For more information on the TransRockies, visit www.transrockies.com. Find out what’s inside . . . outside.
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The US Cup presented by Specialized Launches Web Site

The US Cup announced today the launch of it's official web site. www.uscup.net has all the info racers and mountain biking fans have been waiting for. While the site is not yet complete it is fully functional and includes all the information you'll need to compete at any US Cup event including: full event schedules, directions, and online registration.

The US Cup is scheduled hold it's opening event March 1st with round #1 of the Kenda Cup West at Bonelli Park in California. The fiirst round of the Kenda Cup East is scheduled for May 3rd in Ducktown, Tennessee.

Edited by: Shannon Boffeli
Photos by: Shannon Boffeli

News: Krista Park Clinic and Contests for Amateurs at US Cup Races

U.S. Cup announces free race clinic with women’s Pro XCT tour rider Krista Park at Bonelli.

The U.S. Cup presented by Specialized is pleased to announce that amateur riders competing in the 2009 Kenda Cup West and Kenda Cup East series events will have access to free race clinics hosted by pro racer Krista Park at select venues. The clinic is targeted for beginner to intermediate riders; however riders of all levels are welcome to attend.

In 2008, Krista Park finished inside the top fifteen overall for the women’s N.M.B.S. Pro
Cross-Country and Short Track series standings while riding for the Kenda Titus
Hayes team. As a way to give back to the sport and riders alike, Krista is offering her
knowledge and experience to any racer or rider interested in learning more about the
fundamentals of racing and proper preparation. This relaxed off the bike Q & A with Krista is sure to provide some insight for riders or racers new to the sport of mountain biking.

Clinic Info: Sunday March 1st-Bonelli Park @ 1:15 pm at the Gazebo behind sign up.

Krista’s clinic will provide a perfect opportunity to pass on information to fellow athletes or to answer any postrace questions. Clinics are free and open to all spectators, recreational and amateur athletes. Riders interested inattending may R.S.V.P. with Krista by sending her an e-mail to kristaparkmtb@yahoo.com.

You can also visit Krista at: www.KristaPark.com or http://kristapark.blogspot.com/

Clinic topics will include details on the following:
- Training & Recovery - Nutrition
- Race Strategy and Preparation - Pre-Ride
- Warm-up - Race Skills and Execution
- Bike Preparation -Pro Tips
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U.S. Cup announces series contests and contingencies for amateur riders.

The U.S. Cup presented by Specialized is pleased to announce some very exciting series contest and contingencies available for amateur racers competing in the 2009 Kenda Cup West and Kenda Cup East
series events.

With its focus on providing amateur racers a better and more rewarding experience, the U.S. Cup has partnered
with some of the bicycle industry’s leading companies to provide some unbelievable opportunities for amateur riders competing in the Kenda Cup West and Kenda Cup East series events.

KENDA PODIUM KICKBACK: Open to all racing categories, the Kenda Podium Kickback program will reimburse the race entry fee for one male and one female class winner at each of the Kenda Cup West/East series rounds.

- Kenda staff on site at each race will randomly select one male and one female class category winner at each of the Kenda Cup West and Kenda Cup East series events.

 
- If the chosen male and female winning riders have Kenda tires on their race bikes, they each will receive a check from Kenda USA refunding the cost of registration for that race. Checks will be mailed to the winners from Kenda USA.

- Paid for by Kenda USA.

HAYES LUCKY 12- One racer at every Kenda Cup West, Kenda Cup East series round and one back up winner will be selected from the event pre registered rider list at random via sports base online computer system to receive the following:

- Round trip airfare to Las Vegas
-Two nights hotel stay
- $250 spending money
- Access to Interbike show at Sands Convention Center
- Participate in Hayes promotion at Interbike tradeshow booth
- Interview with USA Cycling at Interbike tradeshow booth
- Free entry into the U.S. Cup unification “Shootout” round in Vegas on Sept. 26

- Hayes Ride Kit-Each of the "Hayes Lucky 12" will receive a complete cross-country component package, including a Manitou R7 MRD fork, Hayes Stroker Gram brakes, and a Sun Ringlé Black Flag wheel set.

- Pit space and Hayes technical support for winners at unification race in Las Vegas
- Available to riders aged 18 and up only.
- Must pre-register for event via sports base online to be eligible.
-Winner must be able to participate, otherwise back up winner to be chosen.
- Paid for by Hayes Bicycle Group

SPECIALIZED YOUTH MOVEMENT: The first five male and female pre registered riders 18 years and under to sign up for a Kenda Cup West or Kenda Cup East series event will be refunded the cost of registration up to $25, via a VISA check card.

- Registration and refund value to be set at $25.
- Winner will receive VISA Card at the day of the event
-Must be present on race day to claim award.
-Rider must be in 18 year or under categories to be eligible
- Must pre-register for event via sports base online to be eligible.
-Paid for by Specialized

SHO-AIR U.S. CUP ULTIMATE EXPERIENCE ESSAY: This 250 word or less essay contest must be submitted through the dedicated contest page on U.S. Cup website. Here riders can share their ultimate race experience at a U.S. Cup series event. One Winner from the Kenda Cup West and Kenda Cup East series will be selected at the end of the respective series dates.

- Open to all racers competing in a Kenda Cup West or Kenda Cup East Series event
- Only one entry per rider/per event allowed. Rider can submit one essay for every round they attend.
- Only entries submitted on U.S. Cup website will be eligible for contest.
- Winner must show proof of entry to be eligible
- Winners from each series (Kenda Cup West/Kenda Cup East) will receive the following:
- Round trip air fair to Huntington Beach, CA
- Two night hotel stay
- $250 spending money
-Ride day with Sho-Air/Specialized Factory team. Includes transportation in team bus to riding spot.
- Each winner will receive: 1 Team Sho-Air Kit-Shorts, jersey, gloves, helmet, shoes, glasses.
-Winners will come out in October for contest
- Must be 18 years or older or have accompanying legal guardian to be eligible.

Mas O Menos, Terlingua, Texas: Full Report and Results

Written by: Sean Sindt

The opening round of the TMBRA racing series took place last weekend in Terlingua, TX. The Mas O Menos 100K serves as the first of the eight race Texas spring series and is also a round of the winter marathon series. It is also the first stop on the USA Cycling Ultra-Endurance calendar.

The men’s open race had a huge turnout compared to the usual showing. Thirty-one riders took to the line to test their early season legs in hot and dry conditions. The pre-race talk went back and forth between two topics. One was the appearance of mountain bike legend Travis Brown. Who made the trip all the way down from Durango, Colorado to compete. Everybody was excited to have the opportunity to race against the mountain bike legend. The other topic of interest was the Tres Cuevas hill climb. This climb comes at roughly mile 25 of the 32-mile lap. It covers 1200 vertical feet and takes the riders an estimated 20 minutes to grind their way up. With the temperature expected to get up into the 80’s everybody was wondering how difficult that climb would be by the end of the second of two laps. Bryan Fawley (Park Place Lexus) was coming into the race as the favorite and hoping to take the victory. “I finished 5th two years ago, 3rd last year, so this year it would be nice to finally win,” Fawley said before the race.

Off the start, it was obvious Fawley wanted to win. A flat jeep road led the field out for the first few miles and he quickly built a lead of around 30 seconds by the time the field hit the single track. Following Fawley was Scott Henry (Team Hammerhead), Travis Brown (Trek), John Cody (Solar Eclipse), Sean Sindt (Austin Flyers/Bicycle Sport Shop), and Ray Hall (Trek). As the pace settled in, Hall dropped off leaving five riders at the front. Fawley widened the gap as he approached the Tres Cuevas Hill climb and claimed the $100 prize for being the first rider up to the top. A few minutes later Henry appeared, followed by Brown, Sindt, and Cody. Towards the end of the first lap, Brown pulled away from Sindt and Cody but then had the grave misfortune to crash into a pole as he came through the start/finish area. The crash wasn’t serious, but it was enough to prevent Brown from finishing the race.

As the race continued, Fawley appeared to have victory in his hands as he increased his lead to over five minutes. Henry started to fall victim to the heat, which got up to 80 degrees towards the end of the race, and started to cramp. Cody and Sindt caught him just before the final ascent of the Tres Cuevas climb. “He was on the side of the trail and when I caught him he jumped back on his bike,” said Sindt. “He said he was having bad cramps and didn’t know if he could finish. We rode together for about five minutes and then I heard a lot of screaming and cussing behind me. I guess he was cramping again.”

Fawley easily won the race, finishing six minutes ahead of Cody, who passed Sindt on the final climb. Rick Wetherald (Solar Eclispe) finished 4th and David Hanes (Ride Away Bicycles) rounded out the top five. Henry managed to hang on to 6th after fighting his leg cramps. “I felt good today; it’s nice to finally win this one,” said Fawley.

The Women's race was dominated by World 24 Hour Solo Champion Rebecca Rusch (Specialized/Red Bull). Rusch showed off her talents as an endurance rider completing the 64 miles in just over 4 hours 45 minutes more than 20 minutes clear of second placed rider Alice Pennington ( S&M/Desalvo Custom Cycles). Finishing off the podium was Clair McKenna (Team Hammerhead).

The second round of the TMBRA series will be in two weeks at St. Jo, Texas on March 1st.


Mas O Menos Results 2/14/09

Open Men
1 Bryan Fawley 4:08:05 Park Place Lexus
2 John Cody 4:14:41 Solar Eclipse
3 Sean Sindt 4:17:04 Austin Flyers/Bicycle Sport Shop
4 Rick Wetherald 4:17:50 Solar Eclipse
5 David Hanes 4:19:39 Ride Away Bicycles
6 Scott Henry 4:21:51 Hammerhead
7 Stewart Stafford 4:22:08 Austin Flyers/Bicycle Sport Shop
8 Mitchell Comardo 4:24:25 Gary Fisher 29er
9 Chris Renshaw 4:28:16 918XC
10 Kevin Koen 4:33:50 Team Bike Lane
11 Lucas Brusseau 4:39:24 Bicycles Plus
12 Eric Hess 4:40:28 Austinbikes
13 Alex Morgan 4:40:58 Cycle Progression
14 Kevin Willson 4:41:10 WoodyCreek Tavern/Hub of Aspen
15 Harry Precourt 4:41:45 International Bike Centers
16 Mason Quintana 4:54:36 Austin Bikes
17 Yuri Hauswald 5:06:43 Marin Bikes.com
18 Greg Martin 5:15:24 Dale's Pale Ale
19 Jason Asay 5:16:31
20 Joshua Rosby 5:17:31 Raising Cane's Racing

Open Women
1 Rebecca Rusch 4:45:25 Specialized/Red Bull
2 Alice Pennington 5:07:26 S&M/Desalvo Custom Cycles
3 Claire McKenna 5:15:21 Team Hammerhead
4 Melanie Etherton 5:16:59
5 Danielle Musto 5:18:05 Kenda-Tomac-Hayes
6 Sara Krause 5:46:14 Team NRC

24 Hours of Old Pueblo: Results

Solo Men
1, Evan Plews 18 laps
2, Ian Leitch 18 laps
3, TInker Juarez (Monaviecannondale.com) 17 laps
4, Steven Yore 16 laps
5, Todd Carpenter (Siren Bicycles) 16 laps

Solo Women
1, Sarah Kaufman (Titus/Roaring Mouse) 15 laps
2, Terri Wahlberg (Intense/NiteRider) 13 laps
3, Mary Metcalf-Collier (Intense/NoTubes) 12 laps
4, Michele Bliss 9 laps
5, Melissa Newbrey 8 laps

Solo Single Speed Women
1, Lynda Wallenfels (2-Epic) 16 laps
2, Rebecca Tomaszewski (Niner/Ergon) 14 laps
3, Chelsea McGowan 10laps

Solo Single Speed Men
1, DJ Birtch (Niner/Ergon) 15 laps
2, Sean Sullivan (Independent Fabrication) 15 laps
3, Tom Ament (Vassagio) 13 laps

4-Person Male Open
1, Adrenaline Race Team 22 laps
2, Kona 22 laps
3, Sport System Mountain Top Cycling 21 laps

4-Person Women Open
1, Pussy Power 17 laps
2, LUNA Chix 17 laps
3, Cruces Cameltoes 16 laps

Duo Coed
1, Sho-Air 18 laps
2, It Takes Two 17 laps
3, Ganesh and The Silver Moon 17 laps

2009 Texas Spring Pro Class Mountain Bike Racing Preview

2009 Texas Spring Pro Class Mountain Bike Racing Preview:

With the Texas mountain bike racing series set to kick off February 14th in Terlingua, Texas, the following is a preview of some of the front runners from last year and what to expect this year. Check back with MTBracenews.com for full results from this weekend's Mas O Menos in Terlingua, Texas.

Scott Henry (Hammerhead)-Scott finished 6th in last year’s series and looks to be in great shape this year. He already has 2 wins under his belt so far this year, winning the Excruciation Exam and Miles of Discomfort marathon races in January. He won the Excruciation by 10 minutes and Discomfort by 6 minutes.

Bryan Fawley (Park Place Lexus)-Bryan is last year’s series champion and will be looking to repeat. Widely regarded as the fastest mountain bike racer in Texas, when he is on form he’s very difficult to beat.

Rick Wetherald (Solar Eclipse)-Rick is a new racer to the Texas scene. He moved to Austin last summer from Colorado. Rick had an outstanding debut race winning the first round of the fall series at Rock Springs, and then finishing the fall series 3rd overall.

Ray Hall (Trek/VW)-Ray Hall, a former winner of the state series (2005), finished the series last year 2nd overall. Besides Fawley, Ray is considered to be the next fastest rider in the state. He did a lot of cyclocross races during the winter so look for him to be in great shape again this year.

 Sean Sindt (Bicycle Sport Shop)- Finished the spring series last year a disappointing 9th overall but came back and rode well in the fall claiming a 3rd and a 4th at Rock Springs and Ruston and then finishing 5th in the series. Sindt finished 4th and 2nd at the Excruciation Exam and Discomfort marathons in January and hopes to get into the top-5 overall in this year’s spring series.

Matt Gordon (Trek/VW) -Matt finished 3rd overall in last year’s series. He’s a solid all-rounder with a strong road background. Matt will definitely be ready for the challenge this year and should be riding at the top.

Billy Kurtz (Sage Cycles)-Billy won the state series twice (2006, 2007) but was plagued by bad luck and was forced to DNF the last 2 races of last years series with mechanicals. That caused him to drop to 4th overall last year but look for him to bounce back this year and try to reclaim his title from Fawley.

Mitch Comardo (Bike Barn)-Mitch is one of the fastest improving riders in the series. It seemed like last year he went from a mid-pack rider to a front runner over night. He finished 8th in last years spring series but then came back and took 2nd in the fall series. During his spectacular fall series, he managed to win the Bryan race and finish in the top 4 at 3 other races. Based on his form last fall, he should be one of the front runners this spring.

Matthew Davis (Coady and Lewis)- Matthew finished last year in 5th overall, surprising many people. In 2007, he was racing expert and when he made the jump to the pro class last year he turned a lot of heads. He didn’t race much in the fall but should be a contender for the spring.

2009 Spring Racing Calendar:

2/14 Mas-O-Menos Terlingua, TX
3/1 Bar H Bash St. Jo, TX
3/15 Outback Blowout Waco, TX
3/29 Warda Race Warda, TX
4/5 Singletrack Stampede Austin, TX
4/19 Hill Country Challenge Comfort, TX
5/3 Big Ring Challenge Cold Spring, TX
5/17 X Bar Shootout Eldorado, TX

News: Katerina Nash Announces Break From Competition in 2009

LUNA Women's Mountain Bike Team Manager Dave McGlaughlin announced that former Czech National Champion Katerina Nash announced she will be withdrawing from mountain bike competition for the 2009 season.

In a prepared statement, McGlaughlin stated, "Recently Katerina Nash informed the LUNA Team that she has decided to sit out the 2009 mountain bike season while she attends to family matters but has not ruled out the possibility of racing the '09/'10 cross season. We don't expect a final decision from her for at least 30 days. Regardless, Nash will continue her association with LUNA and will make appearances on the team's behalf throughout the season."

Nash had her best mountain bike season in 2008. Highlights for the Truckee, CA resident, included a third place at the World Cup in Bromont, Canada as well as multiple top-10 finishes on the World Cup circuit which led to a personal best UCI ranking of 14th. On the National scene, she had short track wins at the National Mountain Bike Series events in Fountain Hills, Windham, and Park City, while also taking the XC title at the Park City event. She posted a second place in the Open Mixed category at the Transrockies Stage Race. Perhaps the one dark spot in 2008 came when a knee injury prevented Nash from qualifying to compete at the Beijing Olympics.

Over the past several years, Katerina Nash has used her aggressive and opportunistic riding style to elevate the Luna Women's Team to the pinnacle of U.S. mountain bike racing. Her absence will undoubtedly impact the Luna team's dominance of domestic bike racing. I am sure LUNA along with all mountain bike racing fans wish her the best and hope to see her racing again soon.

Writing and Photos by: Shannon Boffeli

Breaking News: 2009 24 Hour National Championships Moved to Moab

USA Cycling will officially announce later this week that the 2009 24 Hour National Championship race will be moved to Moab, Utah. The race will be held in conjunction with the 24 Hours of Moab on October 10-11.

USA Cycling has encountered some difficulty solidifing a venue for the 2009 National Championship race which was originally scheduled for Payson, Arizona and then possibly Phoenix and finally Moab.

24 Hours of Moab promoter Laird Knight confirmed with MTBracenews that Moab will indeed be the ulitmate location of the National Championship race. The long-time 24 Hour Promoter and head of Granny Gear Productions stated, "Apparently the AZ venue fell apart and USAC (USA Cycling)needed to get something nailed down that was more definite. Moab will be the perfect battle ground for a National Championship race. The course is a classic mix of high-speed double-track, ledgy, technical sections and power-sucking sand-traps."

In addition, Granny Gear will be hosting the 2010 National Championships at the 24-Hours of Big Bear in Hazelton, West Virginia, June 12-13, 2010.


Josh Tostado and Jari Kirkland took home the top solo spots at the 24 Hours of Moab in 2008

News: Short Track Not Included at Some US Cup Races, Heather Holmes has Wrist Surgery

After several years of inclusion in the national race series the Short Track Cross Country (STXC) will not be included at some events on the 2009 U.S. Cup circuit, including races that are part of the Pro XC Tour. Tom Spiegel, Director of west coast operations at the U.S. Cup said, "putting together a new series was a big undertaking time, money and energy were directed toward cross country [Olympic distance cross country]."

For that reason, races on the U.S. Cup and Pro XC Tour schedule will have the option of including Short Track in their events at the promoters discretion, it will not be required. According to USA Cycling's Kelli Lusk, "The Pro XCT is structured around XC-Olympic (XCO), so it’s the only discipline being tabulated into the rankings." Although Short Track will not be included in the Pro XC Tour it will be included in the Mountain Bike National Championships in Sol Vista, Colorado.

After years on the national scene Short Track will no longer be a priority for racers on the circuit. Despite a surge in popularity just after Short Track was introduced, participation has been dwindling in recent years. Amateur events on last year's National Mountain Bike Series routinely registered fewer than 10-20 racers, although the Professional events were still heavily contested.

At this point, the Sea Otter Classic is the only race on the Pro XC Tour that will be hosting a Short Track race. The events in Fontana and Birmingham will not be including Short Track. Event schedules for the race dates in Colorado Springs, Mount Snow, Windham, and Las Vegas are not available at this time.
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Kenda Team rider and former Collegiate Short Track National Champion Heather Holmes underwent surgery on a wrist fracture she suffered last August. Holmes originally injured the wrist in a crash while pre-riding a mountain bike course in Evanston, Wyoming. Despite having just crashed and suffering an injury to the wrist she participated in the race, taking first place.

The recuperating Kenda rider said, " I had crashed right before the race started and I had a lot of adrenaline going so I didn't notice it. After the race it really started bothering me."

After months of splinting and rehabilitation Holmes still had wrist pain. An MRI in January showed an unhealed fracture in the radius which would require surgery to heal. Holmes underwent surgery at the University of Utah Orthopaedic Center two weeks ago and is recuperating well. Heather reported feeling good and anxious to get back on the bike after close to five months off of riding due to the wrist injury.

You're Invited to Jeremiah Bishop Presentation, US Cup Website Update

"Racing around the World" with USA National Champion Jeremiah Bishop

Jeremiah Bishop will present "Racing around the World" at a special dinner event hosted by Charlotte Sports Cycling at Nothing but Noodles in Charlotte, North Carolina, Feb. 7, 2009.

The USA National Champion of Short Track and Marathon Mountain Bike, Bishop will share stories, highlights and photos from his experience traveling and racing around the world. From South Africa to Switzerland, Andorra to Patagonia, the account of Bishop's adventures is sure to inspire everyone.

Bishop will also briefly speak about World Bicycle Relief, a not-for-profit organization dedicated to providing access to independence and livelihood through the power of bicycles.

A moderated question and answer session will conclude the presentation. Following, attendees are invited to view unique trophies, medals, jerseys and other souvenirs, meet Jeremiah and receive autographs and photo opportunities. During the event, one of Jeremiah's 2008 racing jerseys will be raffled in support of World Bicycle Relief.

A limited number of tickets are available. For more information, visit www.charlottemtnbike.com.

On Feb. 8, Bishop will break out the stars and stripes short track national champion jersey to compete in the 2009 Winter Short Track event at Renaissance Park.
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Team Big Bear acting as U.S. Cup Series website until construction is complete.

Just a quick note to all racers wanting information or looking to participate in the U.S. Cup, that they can go to the Team Big Bear website at www.teambigbear.com for details while the current U.S. Cup website is under construction.

The Kenda Cup West opening round kicks off March 1st, 2009 at Bonelli Park in San Dimas, CA. with the Pro XCT tour kicking off at round two of the Kenda Cup West series out at Fontana on March 28-29th.

On the Team Big Bear website, racers will find access to online registration forms, start times and other information pertaining to the Kenda Cup West series events along with the opening Pro XCT event. The official U.S. Cup website is set to go live at the end of February or early March, in which case riders can go to www.uscup.net for complete series details for both the Kenda Cup West/East series, along with the Pro XCT tour.

We want to thank riders for their patience during this transitional period.