Pro XCT Returns to Wisconsin/Kenda Cup #4 Preview

National Mountain Bike Pro Tour Returns to Wisconsin for the Subaru Cup

For the first time in nearly a decade, the Midwest will host a Pro Cross-Country Tour (Pro XCT) mountain bike race on June 26-27, 2010. The Subaru Cup, presented by Trek, will welcome the USA Cycling Pro XCT to Nordic Mountain, outside Wautoma, WI.

Brian Matter leads out a huge men's field at the 2009 Subaru Cup (photo by: John Wrycza)

The Subaru Cup is the annual mega-event of the Wisconsin Off Road Series, and is one of only five Pro XCT events in America during the 2010 racing season. Other venues on the Pro XCT Tour include the Sea Otter Classic, in Monterey, California and the Mellow Johnny’s Classic, hosted on Lance Armstrong’s Rancho de Juan Pelota in Dripping Springs, TX.

North America’s top male and female racers, including those who represented the United States and Canada in the 2008 Summer Games in Beijing, will compete at the Subaru Cup to qualify for the 2010 National Championships and 2012 Olympics. The race at Nordic Mountain will offer a real taste of Midwest mountain biking, with wooded singletrack, fast descents and short, steep climbs.

WORS will offer a large prize list at the Subaru Cup, with an increased size and depth of awards totaling nearly $7000 for top finishers in the Pro XCT. Cash prizes will be awarded over 30 places in the Pro men’s field and over 20 places for the Pro women. A Pro Short Track, presented by Wheaties Fuel, will also offer racers the chance to compete for cash payouts. In total, nearly $10,000 in cash prizes will be distributed. WORS is able to substantially increase the size and depth of the prize field above the requirements of the International Cycling Union thanks to the generous support of committed WORS sponsors, including Title Sponsor, Subaru, Subaru Cup Presenting Sponsor, Trek Bicycle Corporation, and Impreza Pro Short Track Presenting Sponsor, Wheaties Fuel.

Now in it’s 19th season, WORS is America’s largest state mountain bike racing series. The series has an average attendance of over 650 racers for each of the twelve WORS races held throughout Wisconsin. The first priority of the WORS Series is “to create access to fun, competitive mountain biking for as many individuals as possible,” states Series Director Don Edberg. In addition to the Pro races, the Subaru Cup will host a full slate of amateur racing with ability categories and age classes for everyone. The Subaru Cup will also serve as the first USA Cycling Midwest Regional Championships, which will crown champions in all age categories and ability levels as “Fastest in the Midwest”.

“WORS continues to focus on creating the ultimate environment for as many mountain bikers as possible to explore their potential through safe, fun, friendly competition,” states Edberg. “Whether you are looking for a great individual race to motivate your riding or want to immerse yourself, family and friends in the complete social and competitive experience that is WORS, we have you covered.”

Queen of Midwest racing, Jenna Rinehart, is unstoppable racing in Wisconsin (photo by: John Senkerik)

Outstanding spectator turnout is a hallmark of events hosted by the Wisconsin Off Road Series. In 2009, the Subaru Cup drew over 800 spectators during a weekend of racing. WORS Series Director Don Edberg expects an increase in spectator turnout and in racer participation in 2010. The Subaru Cup Pro XCT course is of the modern World Cup model, approximately 4 miles in length. Over an area of 60 acres, it winds in on itself several times to provide spectators convenient access and numerous viewing opportunities. From the all-new “spectator central”, spectators at the 2010 Subaru Cup can cheer for their favorite racers on multiple climbs and technical descents every lap.

The Subaru Cup will be a major cycling industry gathering of the summer for the Midwest and include demos, displays, and free gifts for those in attendance. WORS and WORS sponsors will offer a full slate of festival activities including tours of the race course, wake boarding, onsite camping, food and entertainment.

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Santa Ynez Kenda Cup Preview

The fourth round of the Kenda Cup West Series, presented by Specialized rolls into beautiful Santa Ynez Valley this weekend.

Current series leader, Sid Taberlay, will be looking to score more points this weekend (photo by: John Mullen)

Nestled just north of the Danish town of Solvang, the Santa Ynez Valley venue has hosted several National events over the years, and this will be the second year that the Kenda Cup West Series returns.

Additionally, this weekend’s race will also serve as the second round of the H2O Overdrive West Regional Triple Crown for Pro riders. The west coast regional triple- crown format is being run as a beta test for possible implementation across the country for 2011, with the three disciplines factored into the series format. The goal is to target more regional and local pro’s by offering good payout, with stronger competition in their respective region.

The Santa Ynez XC course is a 9.1 mile loop and offers riders nearly 1200 feet of climbing per lap. The course is deceivingly hard, with short, steep climbs and fast sinewy descents. A mixture of double track, single track and fire roads, set against green rolling hills and vineyards, makes the venue a favorite among racers. Recent rains have left the cross country course tacky and in good condition for Saturday and Sunday’s events.

The racecourse as it winds through the California hills (photo: Trailwatch.net)

Current Kenda Cup West Series men’s Pro leader Sho-Air/Specialized Sid Taberlay is slated to attend, while the women’s Pro series leader is Pua Sawicki, fresh off a podium at the Fontana City National two weeks ago, looks to make it a go for the weekend. Trek/Canada’s Adam Morka makes the trip this weekend to compete, as well as the southwest top local and regional pro competitors.

Saturday’s schedule starts off with Junior racing at noon, followed by the H2O Overdrive Cross Country men and women’s event at 2:30pm

Sunday starts of with CAT 1 racers in the morning, followed by CAT 2/3 riders in the late morning.

Pro’s return later in the afternoon with the Kenda Women’s Pro Short Track at 2pm, followed by the Pro men at 2:30pm.

Pro Triple Crown competitors then finish the weekend’s final race with the Super D at 3:15pm

More Excellent MTB Races Coming Your Way

We just added 2010 dates to the best MTB race calendar on the web. Click here and start your search for the best mountain bike races in your area. We put all the info you need in one easy to find and easy to search location.

Click a state and start your search

Check out these and many more new races we have added to our calendar just this week:

Front Range MTB Series in Colordao
The 6-Race Laramie MTB Series in Wyoming
The Southern Classic Series in Virginia and the Carolinas
The Burn 24 Challenge in North Carolina
SONOMAS in California
Lake Sonoma Series in California
Napa Valley Dirt Classic in California
The Howell Mtn Challenge in California
Big Sandy Point to Point in California
Folsom Cyclebration in California
Chain Buster Endurance Series in Georgia

View these and literally hundreds more at our online easy-to-use nationwide MTB race calendar

If you have an event you would like added to our nationwide race calendar send your information to info@mtbracenews.com and we will get it posted.

Men and Women's Short Track and Super-D Full Results and Photos from Fontana Pro XCT

Men's short track podium

The big guns attacking the course with Geoff Kabush leading the way

The Pro men turn up the heat on the Fontana STXC course. The race was just 15 minutes plus one lap

The steep and dusty descent on the STXC course

Lene Byberg leads the women on the STXC course. Byberg chose to ride her 29er today. Here she leads Willow Koerber and Heather Irmiger up the climb

Kelli Emmett and Willow Koerber battling for a spot

The start of the women's race. A small but very fast group was on hand today

Short Track Results

Pro Men

1, Sid Taberlay (Sho-Air/Specialized)
2, Ryan Trebon (Kona)
3, Max Plaxton (Sho-Air/Specialized)
4, Todd Wells (Specialized)
5, Jeremy Horgan-Kobelski (Subaru/Gary Fisher)
6, Geoff Kabush
7, Derek Zandstra
8, Jeremiah Bishop
9, Sam Schultz
10, Barry Wicks
11, Carl Decker
12, Kris Sneddon
13, Eric batty
14, Manuel Prado
15, Travis Livermon
16, Andy Schultz
17, Kalan Biesel
18, Colin Cares
19, Raphael gagne
20, Ken Onodera
21, Ben Sonntag
22, Andrew L'Esperance
23, Robert Marion
24, Peter Glassford
25, Stephen Ettinger
26, Jeff Herrera
27, Tim Allen
28, Ryan Woodall
29, Kerry Werner
30, Sondre Norland
31, TJ Woodruff
32, Scott Keller
33, Cody Canning
34, Russell Finsterwald
35, Alex Grant
36, Mitchell Hoke
37, Dror Pekatch
38, Braden Kappius
39, Evan Guthrie
40, Bryan Alders
41, Kevin Smallman
42, Zachary Hughes
43, Rob Squire
44, Nicholas Stevens
45, Ryan Dorsey
46, Trevor Downing
47, Greg Carpenter
48, Dylan Stucki
49, Lucas Livermon
50, Ethan Gilmour
51, Brent Steinberg
52, Brent Steinberg
53, Yuki Saito
54, Matthew Paziuk

Pro Women

1, Willow Koerber (Subaru/Gary Fisher)
2, Heather Irmiger (Subaru/Gary Fisher)
3, Georgia Gould (Luna)
4, Lene Byberg (Specialized)
5, Mical Dyck (Trek Canada)
6, Kelli Emmett (Giant)
7, Emily Batty (Trek)
8, Pua Sawicki (Okolestuff.com)
9, Allison Mann (Rock 'n Road Cyclery)
10, Judy Freeman (Kenda/Felt)
11, Amanda Carey
12, Krista Park
13, Amanda Sin
14, Sue Butler
15, Kari Studley
16, Philicia Marion

Super-D Results

Pro Men

1, Carl Decker (Giant)
2, Manuel Prado (Sho-Air/Specialized)
3, Todd Wells (Specialized)
4, Tim Allen (Niner/Ergon)
5, Travis Livermon (Champion)
6, Eric Bierman
7, Trevor Downing
8, Robert Marion
9, Dylan Stucki
10, Greg Carpenter
11, Scott Keller
12, Lucas Livermon
13, Aaron Bradford

Pro Women

1, Kelli Emmett (Giant)
2, Allison Mann (Rock n' Road Cyclery)
3, Sue Butler
4, Krista Park (Cannondale/Incycle)
5, Amanda Carey (Kenda/Felt)
6, Philicia Marion (AMC/Kenda/Tomac)
DNF C. Michelle Rivera

Help MTB Racer Carey Lowery Raise Money for Healthy Kids

Outdoor Store/Specialized rider Carey Lowery has experienced great success as a mountain bike racer. Now she wants to use her skill as a mountain biker to give back to her community.

Lowery, a veterinarian from Athen, Tennessee, has won some big races including Transrockies, Cohutta 100, and the National Ultra Endurance series in 2007. Now she wants to use her talents as a bike racer to raise money for physical education. Make a pledge for each lap Carey completes at the upcoming Burn 24 and help support kids and physical education.

Carey Lowery outside one of the schools she will be raising money for

I first hopped onto a mountain bike 11 years ago after a back injury forced me to look for an alternative to running. I was bitten by the racing bug after competing at a local MTB race. For several years, I raced XC, but after my good friend and training partner, Zeke Lilly, suckered me into racing The Off-Road Assault on Mt. Mitchell, I entered the scene of ultra-endurance racing and never looked back.

Racing has taken me places I have never dreamed of going. I have pushed myself to my limits, stood atop the podium, and fueled that inner monster that makes me feel alive. Up until now, racing has been about me. For 2010, I wanted to try something different. I wanted to do a race and use it as a platform to raise money for a cause. There are hundreds of wonderful charitable causes. I based my choice on four things. I wanted it to be local, educational, proactive, and hit a sector of the population that cycling needs desperately.

I am going to be racing solo at The Burn 24 Hour MTB Challenge over Memorial Day weekend. This grassroots 24 hour race is in its 10th year and is the largest in the Southeast. I am using this as a platform to raise money for the physical education programs at City Park and Ingleside Elementary Schools. Both are K-3rd and educate about 700 children. My daughter, Carly, goes to City Park. This is my own personal fundraiser as there are no organized drives to raise money for this purpose. My bike shop, The Outdoor Store, is helping me in this endeavor. My goal is to raise $6000.

Lowery will be using her MTB skills to help kids learn to love exercise and make a start to a healthy lifestyle

I will be giving two educational presentations to the students. The first will focus on health, fitness, nutrition, and cycling. Sadly, the county I live in is one of the most obese in Tennessee, according to CDC studies. And Tennessee is on the podium for being one of the fattest states! My hope is that I will interest them in getting off the couch and away from TV’s and computer monitors and back outside on their bikes.

The second will focus on mountain biking and my 24 hour race. I am going to try to have pictures and video from the race to entertain the kids as well as all my gear needed for racing solo.

I will also be holding a contest for the kids. The top 3 boys and girls closest to guessing how many laps and miles I complete in 24 hours will win. As of now, I am working with The Outdoor Store, Specialized, and local businesses to give away bikes for 1st place.

I will be accepting pledges through May 29, 2010. If interested, you can e-mail me, careylowery@yahoo.com, visit my website, www.careylowery.blogspot.com, or Facebook me. I will collect the donations during the month after the race. I feel that pledges per lap versus a flat rate will give me better incentive to grind through those laps, especially during the night hours. Besides, it will give my mind an opportunity to do the math rather than dwelling on the suffering my body will be enduring.

Todd Tanner Hosts Free Ultra-Endurance Clinic this Saturday

If you've ever thought about doing a multi-day self supported epic like Colorado Trail Race or the Great Divide Race now is your chance to learn how from one of the sports best - Todd Tanner.

Todd Tanner is a man of many talents. He spent the 90s as a world cup downhill racer on the dominant specialized mtb racing team. After the turn of the century, Tanner reformed himself as a cross country grinder. Once again he rose to the top of the heap. Now Tanner has chosen to move into the realm of ultra-endurance and bike packing.

Todd Tanner racing the Solo 24 Hour World Championship with all his bike packing gear in tow

After several years of intense study and immersion, Tanner is once again perched on the pinnacle of his trade. Tanner’s skills as a bike racer are matched only by his singular focus and dedication.

In July 2009, Tanner decided to test his skills as an endurance rider and bike packer. Tanner, a resident of Eureka, Montana, decided he would ride his bike, unsupported, from his house to 24-Hour World Championships in Canmore, British Columbia. An off road trip of over 200 miles, everything he needed he carried on his bike: sleeping bag, tent, food, and everything else.

Upon arriving in Canmore Todd then raced, 24 hours, completing 14 laps and finishing an astounding 9th, with all of his bike packing gear. Once finished, in true Todd Tanner fashion, he rode home.

Tanner packed every piece of gear seen behind him over 200 miles to Canmore on his bike and then raced with it

Owner of iRide Adventures, a mountain bike touring company, Todd Tanner is sharing his expertise at a free clinic this Saturday, March 27th. Todd will speak about bike packing and endurance riding.

The clinic will be held at the home of Brad Remington in Calgary, Alberta, Canada. For your chance to learn the art of bike packing and endurance riding from one of the best, RSVP by emailing todd@irideadventures.com by March 25th.

Don’t miss your chance to learn everything you need to know about bike packing from one of the best riders in the business.

The clinic will be at: #5, 4948 126th Ave SE
Calgary, AB T2Z 0A9

To read more about Todd's ride at the 2009 Solo 24 Hour World Championships click here for the race recap from the official website

Todd Tanner prepares for the 2009 Solo 24 Hour World Championship start

Tanner puts his expertise in bike packing to the test at the 24 Hour World Championship

Even with all his gear Todd Tanner descends as well as anyone.

US Cup Triple Crown -- Bonelli Park, California

Photos by: Danny Munson see more at dmunsonphoto.com

The 2010 racing season is officially upon us. With the opening race of the US Cup Triple Crown presented by H2Overdrive, the mountain biking public enjoyed the first Pro-level mountain bike event of the new year.

Sid Taberlay leads Geoff Kabush

Scott Tedro and the US Cup crew have been working hard this offseason to put together a rewarding and high-level series of events for the mountain biking public. They unveiled the first of the three races this weekend in Bonelli Park, California.
After a week of cold temperatures and rain the weather held off for the inaugural Triple Crown cross country on Saturday. The Pro fields were smaller than your average National Championship level event but stacked with top-ranked competition.

The men’s field included big guns like Geoff Kabush, National Champion Jeremy Horgan –Kobelski, youngster Sam Schultz, Todd Wells, Jeremiah Bishop and his Cannondale teammate Tinker Juarez, and of course the Sho-Air squad featuring Sid Taberlay, Max Plaxton, Manny Prado, and newcomer Tad Elliot.

With sizable cash on the line, these huge motors would be battling hard to reach the finish line first. As usual things got off to a fast start, with the group splitting and reforming several times throughout the opening laps.

At the halfway point Kabush, JHK, Wells, Schultz, Plaxton, and Taberlay all remained at the front with no room in between. Finally, with two laps to go, Plaxton broke clear of the bunch. Quickly getting a lead of 20 seconds on the chasers.

Taberlay was not about to chase down his teammate so it was up to Kabush to try and pull his countryman back.

Kabush and Taberlay changing wheels on the final lap (photo by Todd Park)

Disaster struck on the final lap when both Taberlay and Kabush flatted virtually ending the chase. Both riders lost spots but Taberlay had clearly been holding back. After the flat and a slightly hectic wheel change, the Aussie put down an outstanding final lap moving back into the second spot.

Max Plaxton charging toward the victory

Eventually Plaxton would take the win by less than a minute over his teammate who just squeaked in front of Subaru/ Gary Fisher man Sam Schultz. Kabush crossed the line a mere 3 seconds behind Schultz with Todd Wells another 11 seconds back.

The small but stacked women's field (photo by Todd Park)

In the women’s race just 11 riders took the start. But the small field included National Champion Heather Irmiger, Kelli Emmett, Pua Sawicki, World Class roadie Amber Neben, ’09 Bonelli winner Krista Park, and Lene Byberg.

The women would complete 5 laps of the 4-mile course. In the early laps, Pua Sawicki put the hammer down and took the early lead. Byberg and Emmett stayed close followed by Irmiger and Rock n Road Cyclery rider Allison Mann putting in a solid performance.

Lene Byberg challenges for the win

By the midway point Byberg had taken the top spot with Emmett still close behind. Irmiger continued to tap out a consistent cadence just behind. As the laps wound down it was clearly shaping up to be a close race between Byberg and Emmett. The two stayed wheel to wheel and entered the finish stretch locked together. Both riders kicked with all they had with Emmett gritting her teeth to cross the line first.

With the cross country complete riders will have to wait for the official winner of the Bonelli Park Triple Crown to be announced. Riders will have to contest a short track and Super-D event on Sunday before the winner is ultimately decided.

Stay tuned to MTBRaceNews.com for the latest results from Bonelli.

Race Notes:

Chloe Forsman back with Tokyo Joe's

Former U-23 National Champion Chloe Forsman made her national debut this weekend riding for the Tokyo Joes team

Juarez still in the mix

42 year old Tinker Juarez finished 11th in a stacked men’s field

Full Results from Bonelli Park, US Cup Triple Crown

Pro Women

1, Kelli Emmett (Giant) 1.33.21
2, Lene Byberg (Specialized) 1.33.22
3, Pua Sawicki (Okolstuff.com) 1.34.12
4, Allison Mann (Rock N Road Cyclery) 1.36.53
5, Heather Irmiger (Subaru/Gary Fisher) 1.37.53
6, Amber Neben
7, Chloe Forsman (Tokyo Joe's)
8, Krista Park (Incycle/Cannondale)
9, Anna Fortner (Socal Cross Cycle)
10, Kay Sherwood (Tokyo Joes)
DNF Rebecca Tomaszewski (NinerErgon)


Pro Men

1, PLAXTON MAX (Sho-Air/Specialized) 1.35.35
2,TABERLAY SID (Sho-Air/Specialized) 1.36.26
3,SCHULTZ SAM (Gary Fisher/Subaru) 1.36.28
4,KABUSH GEOFF (Maxxis/Rocky Mountain) 1.36.31
5,WELLS TODD (Specialized) 1.36.42
6,MORKA ADAM (Trek Canada) 1.36.59
7,BISHOP JEREMIAH (Cannondale Factory Racing) 1.37.06
8,HORGAN-KOBELS JEREMY (Gary Fisher/Subaru) 1.38.22
9,WICKS BARRY (Kona) 1.39.04
10,GLASSFORD PETER 1.39.05
11,JUAREZ DAVID (TINKER) (Cannondale) 1.39.25
12, TREBON RYAN (Kona) 1.39.51
13,PRADO MANUEL (Sho-Air/Specialized) 1.40.43
14,WOODRUFF TJ (Trek Bicycles Boulder) 1.40.48
15,SNEDDON KRIS (Kona) 1.40.53
16,FINSTERWALD RUSSELL (Gary Fisher/Subaru) 1.41.36
17,SCHULTZ ANDY (Kenda/Felt) 1.41.59
18,SAGER JASON (Jamis) 1.42.43
19,HOKE MITCHELL (Tokyo Joes) 1.43.13
20,ETTINGER STEPHEN (Mafia/Felt/PBR) 1.43.54
21,CARES COLIN
22,LOMBARDI VINCENT
23,VALADEZ MIGUEL
24,WEBER DANA
25,ELLIOTT TAD
26,SNYDER ADAM
27,BRADFORD AARON
28,PLEWS EVAN
29,FORCINO ROMOLO
30,WHITMAN NATE
31,DONOVAN SEAN
32,ANDREWS DOUG
33,HERRERA JEFF
34,SIEGLE JASON
35,PRENZLOW BRENT
36,BEATON MATTHEW
37,BOONE ALEX
38,COCHRAN MATTHEW
39,FREIWALD PAUL
40,BIERMAN ERIC
41,OBRIEN TOM
42,JENKINS CHARLES
43,JACOBS RANDALL
44,DOWNING TREVOR
45,CONNORS MATTHEW
46,NAG NITISH
47,STOEHR CHAD
48,FREEMAN MATT
49,BYROM NATE
50,SCHNEIDER JOE
51,HEINRICH CHRIS
52,HERMON DEREK
53,KOERNER TOM

US Cup Triple Crown Update: Bonelli Park, California

At the halfway point this is where everything stands:

In the women's event Lene Byberg (Specialized) is out front with Kelli Emmett (Giant) just behind. Then comes Pua Sawicki (Okolestuff.com), Allison Mann (Rock n Road Cyclery), and Heather Irmiger (Gary Fisher) rounding out the top-5.

After three of six laps the men have formed a large group at the front of the race with Jeremy Horgan-Kobelski (Gary Fisher), and Geoff Kabush (Rocky Mountain) leading a pack containing Sid Taberlay (Sho-Air), Jeremiah Bishop (CFR), and Sam Schultz (Gary Fisher).

With one lap to go:

Byberg maintains the lead in the women's race.

In the men's race, Sho-Air rider Max Plaxton attacked with two laps to go. He has increased his lead heading into the final lap. Taberlay and Kabush both stopped in the pits for a wheel change.

Final Results:

Canadian Max Plaxton continues the Sho-Air domination of the US Cup taking first. His teammate Aussie Sid Taberlay comes in second after a mechanical with one lap to go. Gary Fisher rider Sam Schultz took third followed by Geoff Kabush and Specialized man Todd Wells.

The women's race ended in a sprint finish with Kelli Emmett crossing the line just in front of Lene Byberg to take the win. Pua Sawicki finished third in front of Allison Mann and National Champion Heather Irmiger.

More to come...

News Flash -- 2010 24 Hour National Championship Venue Announced

USA Cycling has officially announced that the 2010 24 Hour National Championships will be held at 24 Hours of Moab on October 9-10.

The USA Cycling 24-Hour Mountain Bike National Championships were originally scheduled to take place alongside the 24-Hours of Big Bear in Hazelton, W. Va., June 12-13. However, due to financial concerns, 24-Hour Race Series promoter Laird Knight cancelled the 2010 edition of the West Virginia race.

In its second year being hosted by the 24-Hours of Moab, the USA Cycling 24-Hour Mountain Bike National Championships will award national titles in fifteen different categories: Male and Female Solo, Single speed, Duo, 4-person team, Junior 4-person team, Master 4-person team 35+, Master 4-person team 45+, as well as Mixed Duo.

Help Yeti Betis, Buy a Coffee Mug/ Felt Extends Support of Mafia Racing

Team Yeti Beti, an all women's mountain bike race team based in Lakewood, CO, is selling swanky travel mugs as a fundraiser for the team. Unlike selling Girl Scout cookies, the mugs will not only last more than a day, they will bring a smile to your face every morning. They are great enhancement to your caffeinated (or decaffeinated) morning. The mugs are stainless steel inside and out, double insulated wall, with an additional rubber grip for those slippery mornings.

Swanky!

All team funds are distributed equally among the 10 riders to help subsidize the cost of racing.

Get yours today and thank you for the support!
www.yetibeti.com under "Events"

Team Yeti Beti

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Colorado-based off-road team strengthens its roster with new national-level talent

Felt Bicycles is proud to announce it is continuing its sponsorship of the Mafia Racing off-road team in 2010. The Colorado-based Mafia Racing program started in 2007 and has grown each year to extend its reach to the national level while still remaining true to its grassroots community-based focus.

Joining the Mafia team this year are former Under-23 National Champion Sam Jurekovic of Colorado and three-time Utah State Cross-country champion Kathy Sherwin. Also new to the team this year is Tristan Schouten, a versatile road and cross-country rider and also a standout cyclocross racer, winning the 2010 Wisconsin state cyclo-cross champion and placing top-10 at the US Grand Prix of Cyclocross’ Planet Bike Cup.

Returning to Mafia Racing in 2010 is Becca Blay, who had a strong 2009 season, finishing fourth in the Mountain States Cup and finishing in the top-20 at the USA Cycling Mountain Bike Nationals in Granby, Colorado, last summer. Also back with the team is Jake Wells, whose strong 2009 cyclo-cross season culminated with a 12th place finish at the U.S. National Championships in Bend, Oregon. And finally, Seth Wealing will continue representing Mafia at XTERRA competitions. Wealing is a perennial favorite and former national champion in the off-road multisport competition series.

“We’re excited to be continuing our support of the Mafia Racing program in 2010,” said Jim Felt, the company namesake of Felt Bicycles. “It’s a unique program that accomplishes a lot with both its racing results and its community outreach efforts. Felt shares those same values, and this continues to be a great partnership.”

Mafia Racing athletes will compete on a variety of Felt mountain bikes and cyclo-cross bikes in 2010, including Nine series cross-country bikes, which set the standard in competitive 29-inch-wheel hardtails. They’ll also race the Virtue series full-suspension bikes, featuring Felt’s award-winning Equilink rear suspension, and the FX series cyclo-cross bikes.

“The goal of the Mafia Racing program is to inspire individuals to become more active in their communities,” said team director David Janowiec. “To reach out to people wherever we go and inspire them to incorporate health, the arts, culture, sustainability and creativity into their lives.”

Other Mafia Racing team partners include Pabst Blue Ribbon, Shimano, DT Swiss, Pearl Izumi, Skull Candy, Silverback Music, Nooka, GoFast, GU Sports, Nuun, Squirt Lube, Rudy Project, The TopShelf Lab, and Human Movement Management.

2010 MAFIA RACING PRO ROSTER
Andy Rigel (Seattle, WA), cross-country
Becca Blay (Boulder, CO), cross-country, cyclocross
Bradford Perley (Banner Elk, NC), cross-country, cyclocross
Dylan Stucki (Gunnison, CO), cross-country
Jake Wells (Avon, CO), cross-country, cyclocross
Jan Koles (Winter Park, CO), road, cross-country, cyclocross
Jared Berg (Louisville, CO), cross-country
Kari Studley (Bothell, WA), cross-country, cyclocross
Kate Scheider (Boulder, CO), road, cross-country, cyclocross
Kathy Sherwin (Heber City, UT), cross-country
Lindsey Bishop (Boulder, CO), road, cross-country, cyclocross
Meghan Korol (Madison, WI), cross-country, super-d, cyclocross
Sam Jurekovic (Jackson Hole, WY), cross-country
Seth Wealing (Boulder, CO), Xterra triathlon, cross-country
Spencer Powlison (Boulder, CO), cross-country, super-d, cyclocross
Stephen Ettinger (Cashmere, WA), cross-country
Trevor Downing (Durango, CO), cross-country
Tristan Schouten (Plymouth, WI), road, cross-country, cyclocross

News Flash: 24 Hour National Championships in West Virginia Cancelled for 2010

This year's 24 Hour National Championship was scheduled to be held June 12-13 in Big Bear, West Virginia. The National Championships was to be held in conjunction with the 24 Hours of Big Bear, a race promoted by Granny Gear Productions.

Spokes Magazine is reporting that Granny Gear director Laird Knight has decided to cancel this year's race siting difficulties obtaining sponsorship and low attendance at the West Virginia event.

Josh Tostado on the podium at the 24 Hours of Moab

The 2009 24 Hour National Championships were held in Moab, Utah as part of the 24 Hours of Moab, also a Granny Gear event. The Moab race was chosen only after the original venue in Payson, Arizona was cancelled in February of that year. The 2009 National Championship was won by Colorado racers Josh Tostado and Eszter Horanyi.

Does this mean the '10 National Championship will once again be held in Moab? It is still unknown. After the previous year's last minute rescheduling, USA Cycling seems to have allied itself with Granny Gear Productions to host it's National Championship event. Because Knight has chosen to cancel the West Virginia event and 24 Hour of Nine Mile in Wisconsin, Moab seems to be the last resort. Check back with MTB Race News for the latest information from USA Cycling and more breaking news.

The Virginia Off Road Series vs. Mother Nature/Training Tips From Racing Superstar Sue Haywood

Last week, The Virginia Off Road Series race at Camp Hilbert, March 7th, was postponed due to the rough winter Virginia has experienced. After much thought, the decision was based on the current trail conditions at the venue and to give athletes adequate notice. The new date for Camp Hilbert will be April 11, 2010. All registrations will be moved to the new date.



The Virginia Off Road Series will kick off on March 28 at the Blue Ridge School’s ‘Ride the Ridge’. This event is known for its challenging ascents/descents. Ride the Ridge is more than a tough race. It’s also for a great cause. All proceeds from Ride the Ridge go to benefit the World Bicycle Relief. So get ready to race, the startline is getting closer all the time!

Don’t let Mother Nature believe she won this one. VORS doesn’t give up easily. We have recently announced the VORS PayDirt Program. PayDirt gives competitors the ability to earn VORS points while working on our trails around the state. Trail Advocacy groups around the state are encouraged to contact us with their projects. This weekend, CAMBC (Charlottesville) will be offering two days of trailwork projects around the Charlottesville area. Stop by the Virginia Off Road Series website for all the details on the PayDirt Program. So Mother Nature thinks she got us. She’s wrong. Mother Nature has created more ways for VORS athletes to score points!

One last incredible announcement: Sue Haywood ‘Year of the Tigress’!


One of the all-time best female mountain bikers (seen here on the top of the '09 Shenandoah 100 podium) has written a column for the Virginia Off Road Series. Haywood's column gives female athletes insight for better training and motivation. Her new column was just released today. Her words will put a little more motivation into all our pedal strokes! Click Here to read Sue Haywood's "Year of the Tigress" column.

Woody Elliott
Director
-The Virginia Off Road Series-

Kenda Cup West Opener Drawing Top Talent

The Kenda Cup West Series opener at Sage Brush, brought to you by Team Duke.Org is drawing top pro and amatuer athlete’s for 2010.

2009 race winner Sid Taberlay

Last years Sage Brush men’s pro winner; Sho-Air/Specialized rider Sid Taberlay, brings with him a 2010 Austrailian National Short Track title to this year’s event, as the Aussie looks to make it two for two.

Men's start in 2009

Taberlay will be hard pressed in 2010 however, as newly signed Cannondale Factory riders Jeremiah Bishop and Tinker Juarez are set to race this weekend. Add in 2009 La Ruta and Costa Rican XC Champion Manny Prado of the Sho-Air/Specialized team, and the 2010 Kenda Cup West Series opener is shaping up to be a slug fest.

Women's podium in 2009 with Pua Sawicki on the top step

2009 women’s race winner, Pua Sawiki, of Team Mata/Okle Stuff.com looks to repeat as a two time race winner. Sawiki will have a solid line up of women racer’s with Rock N Road’s Allison Mann and others trying to knock off the six time National Endurance Champion.

The Sage Brush racecourse

About Sage Brush: Located east of San Diego off Interstate 8, the Sage Brush course is a throw back to a more tradional mountain bike loop, with multiple distances ranging from 26.8 miles and 3,500 feet of climbing for the Pro and CAT 1 loop, to a shorter 18 mile loop for the CAT 2 and 3 riders.

The course uses exsisting jeep and motorcycle trails of the Lake Morena OHV park and offers racers a wide variety of terrain, with rolling Whoop De Doo’s, banked berm corners and a fun flowy style of riding. For the mountain bike purist, Sage Brush is a must attend event!
Sage Brush course map http://www.geoladders.com/gps_route_racer.php?route_id=21974\

Trans-Sylvania and Chris Eatough Team Up

Trans-Sylvania Epic and Chris Eatough Coaching Announce Strategic Partnership,
Training Camps and Plans for Trans-Sylvania!

Chris Eatough and promoters of the Trans-Sylvania Mountain Bike Epic are pleased to announce two great ways to help athletes prepare for the incredible seven-day event, scheduled May 30-June 5, 2010, in State College, PA.

Chris Eatough, the World's most accomplished endurance cyclist, has created the Trans-Sylvania Epic Training Plan at ChrisEatough.com. It is a custom built training plan designed specifically around the demands of this incredible event and will bring participants to peak form in time to race. Whether you are preparing for an all-out solo assault on Trans-Sylvania or choosing your own stage race adventure on a Trans-Sylvania Team, this custom plan will prepare you perfectly.

Says Eatough, "Mountain bike stage racing is such a great format, but there is a lot to know if you want to maximize your performance and fun. I have packaged all my knowledge, tips, and experience into the Trans-Sylvania Epic Training Plan so that participants can arrive at the race, ready to perform at their peak".

Chris worked closely with Trans-Sylvania Director and renowned endurance coach Mike Kuhn to delve into the demands of each and every stage of the race and integrated these considerations into the 12-week plan available for download on ChrisEatough.com. In addition, Eatough will be attending several days of the event though not as a racer. Eatough will be on hand to advise racers on how to best prepare for the rigors of upcoming stages - physically, strategically, and mechanically. Eatough plans to ride along with racers, providing technical tips and advice while enjoying the sweet central PA singletrack.

"Since I've known Chris he has always been the consummate professional and he is now using his attention to detail in creating the Trans-Sylvania Epic Training Plan. We're very excited to offer our participants the opportunity to take advantage of Chris' knowledge and experience through this plan designed specifically for our race. Combined with our training camp and the opportunity for fully personalized training through yours truly, we have the full spectrum of options for endurance mountain bikers." said Kuhn.

To further prepare participants for Trans-Sylvania and offer a way for all athletes to ready themselves for the summer season, TSE is offering the Endurance MTB Training Camp/Trans-Sylvania Epic Preview. The Endurance MTB Camp/TSE Preview will run May 13-16 in State College, PA and will be led by Mike with assistance from two-time US National 24-Hour series champion and fellow PAValleys.com racing team member, “Vegan Rob” Lichtenwalner. Training rides on the Trans-Sylvania Epic courses will ready participants for the exact demands of the race. The TSE Camp offers all endurance mountain bike racers the opportunity to lift their fitness to a new high as they prepare for the summer schedule of cross country racing, 50 to 100+ milers, and 12- and 24-hour mountain bike races. Evening discussions will explore all aspects and nuances of endurance MTB racing. Participants will leave the camp more ready than ever to go the distance! More information about the camp, plans and this incredible event may be found on www.TransSylvaniaEpic.com.

Type rest of the post here

2010 Virginia Off Road Series : Bigger Than Ever!

- Richmond, Va –

The 2010 Virginia Off Road Series will launch our 3rd season on March 7 with the first Camp Hilbert race outside Maidens, Va. Continuing on our quest to keep things interesting, our series will cover events, new and old, across the state through the end of October. New events in southwestern and northern Virginia will challenge our athletes to some great events. But these events are not the only thing new and exciting to the Virginia Off Road Series!



This year, the Virginia Off Road Series has added a new Enduro Category: XCAT. These competitors will only be scored on the longer events vs. the traditional cross country. These slow twitch athletes asked us for their own Cat and we have delivered. There will be plenty of opportunities for the XCAT’s to take on one another with our Calendar.

The Virginia Off Road Series will be partnering with Endorphin Fitness, CyclingCentralVa, Friends of Pocahontas State Park, Virginia State Parks and MTBRaceNews.com for more excitement to the season. Endorphin Fitness excels at bringing the best out of athletes, their new column, EF Advice, will be updated monthly with new training ideas. CyclingCentralVa will offer the Virginia Off Road Series an exclusive Forum for our athletes to discuss the Series and related topics. The Virginia State Parks returns with their sponsorship of the Wildman Award. MTBRaceNews.com will be delivering customer tailored coverage with articles from our athletes.

An exciting new venture this year is our PayDirt Program. The Virginia Off Road Series will be working closely with the Friends of Pocahontas State Parks to implement this rewarding program. PayDirt will reward athletes with extra points for hours worked in Virginia’s great trails. These points will be added to their final score and will make a difference.

Technology will be working for the Virginia Off Road Series in the form of Facebook and Twitter. One of the quickest ways to get our audience, Facebook will carry up to the minute news. Our Twitter connection can update our website from any location that we have cell service. All this will help keep the Virginia Off Road Series ‘live’ with information.

Bring your A game to the 2010 Virginia Off Road Series. We got what you are looking for in off road racing…

Click Here to view the entirety of the enormous Virginia Off Road Series

More Races Added to the Best MTB Race Calendar on the Web

More 2010 dates added to the best MTB race calendar on the web. Click here and start your search for the best mountain bike races in your area. We put all the info you need in one easy to find and easy to search location.

Click a state and start your search

Check out these and many more new races we have added to our calendar just this week:

New Belgium Brewing 18 Hrs of Fruita, Colorado
SoNoMas, California
Boggs, California
Shasta Lemurian, California
Bloomer 62, Michigan
Teva Mountain Games, Colorado
Crankworx, Colorado
Bone Bender, Missouri
6 Hour Grind, North Carolina
Off Road Assault on Mt. Mitchell, North Carolina
Pisgah Mountain Bike Stage Race, North Carolina
The Ramble Around Prattsburg, New York
The Hardcore24, New York
Cascade Creampuff, Oregon
Oregon MTB Race Series
Keyesville Classic, California

If you have an event you would like added to our nationwide race calendar send your information to info@mtbracenews.com and we will get it posted.

TransRockies adds UCI points and More Prize Money in 2010

photos by: Dan Hudson

In the same year that the TransRockies returns to the majestic Alberta Rockies, it has been granted UCI status—only the second North American stage race to do so--and will offer the most international ranking points in addition to the best-organized and most epic stage race in North America.



In addition, the 2010 TransRockies, will offer even more prize money to elite teams, the prize purses for the top teams in the 7-day 2-person team TransRockies and the 3-day solo TR3 will be over $30,000 cash.

“2010 is a very important year for TransRockies,” said Event Director Aaron McConnell. “We are returning to our roots in Alberta with an awesome new course that’s more fun, rideable and challenging than ever before. And, given that our team has organized numerous World Cups, applying for UCI Sanctioning seemed like a natural next step in the race’s evolution.”

With the points chase for the 2012 Olympic spots about to kick off in earnest, the opportunity to earn some of the over 2500 UCI points on offer should attract some of the top riders in North America to the start line in Fernie, BC. “Having TransRockies become part of the national calendar along side the other exciting events in Canada this summer, will help to solidify Canada as one of the strongest mountain bike nations in the world!” said Nicholas Vipond, Mountain Bike and BMX coordinator for the Canadian Cycling Association.



The TransRockies brought the concept of mountain bike stage racing to North America and continues to push the format forward, offering the best experience for riders of all levels with a combination of seamless complete support, epic singletrack and real Wild West hospitality.

“While we’re looking forward to a deep and competitive elite field, we’re still completely focussed on making sure that we offer all of our riders the adventure of their lives,” said McConnell. “We’re hoping that the presence of more pro riders just adds to the excitement for our recreational riders. We’re confident that we’re going to set a new benchmark again in 2010.”



The 2010 TransRockies starts August 8th in Fernie and finishes 7 days later in Canmore, Alberta on the edge of legendary Banff National Park. The TR3 runs concurrently with the first three stages of the TransRockies finishing August 10th. For more information on the 2010 TR and TR3, visit www.transrockies.com.

With the scarcity of UCI sanctioned mountain bike races in the United States and close proximity of the Transrockies you can expect many top U.S. racers will be traveling up north. Top riders who have raced Transrockies in the past include Barry Wicks, Kris Sneddon, and Katerina Nash. Don't be surprised to see some big names from the United States racing in Canada this summer.

H2O Overdrive Triple Crown Opener Drawing World Class racers/Pua Sawicki Raffle Off Truck and Travel Trailer

The 2010 H2O Overdrive Triple Crown presented by Specialized is on the radar of some of the World’s top Mountain Bike talent, according to US Cup management.

The Triple Crown consists of three races across the United States. Each race includes cross country, short track, and super-D events. A riders placing will be determined by the highest placing from two of the three disciplines after a weekend of racing. The rider with the lowest combined score at the end of the weekend wins. And at the Triple Crown winning is good. If more than 60 riders take the start the winner would go home with $3,000 in their pocket and payout would go 30 riders deep! It seems not spending all your money on UCI inscription fees has it's perks.

The Triple Crown's impressive payout schedule

“We are very excited with the feedback we have been receiving from the industry and riders attending the opening round of the H2O Overdrive Triple Crown All Mountain Series stated US Cup marketing director Ty Kady. “To date, I have confirmation from some of North America’s top riders, plus 2009 women’s World Championship Bronze medalist Lene Byberg of the Factory Specialized team is set to race, along with her teammate Todd Wells.”

“I can also confirm that a lot of top talent will be attending, including newly signed Cannondale Factory riders Jeremiah Bishop and Tinker Juarez. Team Sho-Air/Specialized will be sending five time Australian champion Sid Taberlay, along with Max Plaxton and Tad Elliot. We also expect some of the Kenda/Felt team, some of the Subaru/Gary Fisher crew, as well as a possible Geoff Kabush sighting with his Rocky Mountain/Maxxis team. All in all, we expect the field to be loaded in both the men and women’s races as they go after potentially huge prize money and media coverage!” continued Kady

“But let’s not forget about all the privateers, both regionally and nationally that can come stake their claim” reiterated Kady. “We could be paying as deep as 30 spots, and we have a Top U23 and Top Senior (oldest) rider bonus too.”

“Industry feedback has been really positive on the new concept and the H2O Overdrive Triple Crown seems to be gaining momentum with the sponsors, teams and riders commented Kady.

North America’s top cross country male pro Geoff Kabush, chimed in via e-mail with his support, “I think you will get a lot of appreciation from the riders for the payouts. That is about how it was back in the day when I started… $3500 for the win….. It is nice when you can finish 5-6th and still get $500-600 bucks to break even for the weekend.”

For more info go to: www.uscup.net

H2O Overdrive Triple Crown Schedule:

Bonelli Park, California: March 13-14
Chalk Creek, Colorado: May 15-16
Massanutten, Virginia: June 19-20

________________________________________________________________________________________
Win Pua's Palace Giveaway

World Class endurance and cross country racer Pua Sawicki and Team Mata have become known for some pretty incredible giveaways. Last season they raffled off thousands of dollars of merchandise and bikes on the Team Mata web site. This season they have taken raffling to a whole new level: Pua's home.

For the past four seasons Pua and her husband Ron have lived on the road. Traveling from race to race in their gigantic truck and travel trailer.

The prize package in action

While that works great for racing on the domestic scene Sawicki wants to take her racing across the pond in 2010 and focus 100% on qualifying for the 2012 Olympics in London. That means she needs cash for her travel expenses.

To help support Pua and have a shot at winning her truck and travel trailer you can visit her web site and enter the raffle for $40. Pua needs 2,400 entries to raffle off the dream package, if that number isn't reached by May 1st, 2010 all money will be refunded.

Visit www.teammata.com for more information

Win Two Nights Stay and Free Entry to the Park City Point to Point

In the fast growing world of ultra-endurance racing, the Park City Point to Point broke onto the scene in a big way last fall. Now one of the premier events in the west, the Park City Point to Point is giving away an entry into this year's race and two nights lodging in the resort community of Park City, Utah.

Race leaders attack the singletrack at the Park City Point to Point

In order to win you just have to visit their facebook page and write your craziest road trip story when traveling to a race. You can also learn more at the PCP2P official web site, www.thepcpp.com.

The Park City Point to Point (PCP2P) is a 78-mile ultra-endurance mountain bike race. The PCP2P includes 75 plus miles of fabulous high-mountain Utah singletrack and a grueling 14,000 vertical feet of climbing. Last year's inaugural event was won by Alex Grant and Pua Sawicki. Grant posted a winning time and established the current course record with a time of 7.04.01. This year's event will be held on September, 4th.

Lodging for the PCP2P giveaway is being provided by Park City Crash Pads. A unique and exciting new company specializing in providing affordable high-end condo rentals in Park City, Utah, Park City Crash Pads caters to real people not traveling on the company dime and unable to drop a cool grand for weekend in resortville. Learn more at www.parkcitycrashpads.com.

Official registration for the PCP2P opens February 15th. For up-to-the-minute reports, including registration launch reminders from the Park City Point to Point follow them on twitter @PCpoint2point.

Already scheduled to appear at this years event are MTB racing legend Tinker Juarez, 24 Hour Solo National Champions Josh Tostado and Ezster Horanyi, Ruta De Los Conquistadors runner-up Alex Grant, and 24 Hour Singlespeed National Champions Lynda Wallenfels and Dave Harris.

Search all the new races on our Nationawide calendar and hundreds of others

We have added a ridiculous amount of new 2010 dates to our national calendar. Brian has been working overtime getting all the new dates in our nationwide calendar. See if you can find a new race in your area and add it to your race calendar in 2010. We have these new races and hundreds more from across the country. Click here to start your search.

Click the map to start your search

We just updated these races:
--Tennessee Bicycle Racing Association 15 race series
--Hudson to Highlands series... NJ and one in NY
--Illinois Homegrown Race Series formally known as I-74 Homegrown race series
--Arkansas Championship Series
--Arkansas MTB Marathon Series
--The massive Virginia Off Road Series including the Camp Hilbert Mountain Bike Race Series
--Iowa Mountain Bike Championship Series
--Kentucky Point Series (about half of the point series has been announced)
--Minnesota State Championship Series
--12/24 Hours of Mohican OH
--Ohio Mountain Bike Championship Series


If you have a race you would like added to the MTBracenews race calendar send your information to info@mtbracenews.com