Results from the Yankee Clipper at Windham Mountain Resort, New York- US Cup Finals

Pro Men

1, Geoff Kabush (Rocky Mountain/Maxxis) 1.38.46
2, Max Plaxton (Sho-Air/Specialized) 1.39.53
3, Todd Wells (Specialized) 1.40.01
4, Sid Taberlay (Sho-Air/Specialized) 1.40.20
5, Jeremy Horgan-Kobelski (Subaru/Gary Fisher) 1.40.26
6, Adam Craig (Giant) 1.42.58
7, Sam Jurekovic (Sho-Air/Specialized) 1.43.40
8, Derek Zandstra (3 Rox Racing) 1.43.52
9, Ishai Rotem 1.44.53
10, Carl Decker (Giant) 1.45.51
11, Michael Broderick (Kenda/Seven)
12, Sam Schultz (Subaru/Gary Fisher)
13, Robbie Squire (U-23 National Team)
14, Matthew Hadley (Xprezo)
15, Andy Schultz (Kenda/Tomac/Hayes)
16, Spencer Paxson
17, Barry Wicks (Kona)
18, Tad Elliot (U-23 National Team)
19, Peter Glassford
20, Kris Sneddon (Kona)
21, Thomas Turner (Outspokin Bicycles)
22, Adam Snyder (Jamis)
23, Ryan Woodall
24, Colin Cares (Kenda/Tomac/Hayes)
25, Dana Weber (Trek/WBR) 1 lap down
26, Brandon Draugelis (Cannondale)
27, Jason Sager (Jamis)
28, Michael Mooradian
29, Stephen Ettinger
30, Matthew O'Keefe
31, Tom Sampson
32, Robert Marion
33, Macky Franklin
34, Aaron Snyder
35, Blake Harlan
36, Brent Mellen 2 laps down
37, Justin Raynes
38, Mike Joos
39, John Burns
40, Benjamin Moore
41, Martin Kell
42, Tim Mosher
43, Ethan Gilmour
44,Seamus Powell
45, Andrew Alesio
46, Nathanael Wyatt
47, Kyle Douglas 3 laps down
48, Timothy Carson
49, Noah Tautfest
50, Chris Gagnon
51, Rickey Visinski
52, Jordan Kahlenberg
53, Greg Waggoner
54, Aaron Elwell
55, Leonardo Sandoval
56, Maurice Gamanho
57, Andrew Freye
58, Mike Festa
59, Patrick Wallace
60, Katriel Statman
61, Harrison Precourt
62, Greg Carpenter 4 laps down
63, Osias Lozano

Pro Women

1, Willow Koerber (Subaru/Gary Fisher)
2, Georgia Gould (Luna)
3, Catharine Pendrel (Luna)
4, Lea Davison (Rocky Mountain/ Maxxis)
5, Katerina Nash (Luna)
6, Mary McConneloug (Kenda/Seven)
7, Heather Irmiger (Subaru/Gary Fisher)
8, Pua Sawicki
9, Amanda Sin
10, Amy Dombroski
11, Chloe Forsman (Luna)
12, Sandra Walter (Local Ride Womens MTB)
13, Allison Mann (Sho-Air/Specialized)
14, Judy Freeman (Tough Girls)
15, Krista Park (Incycle)
16,Kimberly Flynn
17, Zephanie Blasi (Kenda/Tomac/Hayes)
18, Heather Holmes (Kenda/Tomac/Hayes)
19, Lindsey Bishop
20, Alexandra Serrano
21, Jamie Dinkins (Motor Mile Racing)
22,Maureen Bruno Roy
23, Anina Aaron
24, Catherine Vipond
25, Bryna Nestor 1 lap down
26, Teal Stetson-Lee
27, Jane Pearson 2 laps down
28, Lydia Tanner
29, Philicia Marion 3 laps down


Type rest of the post here

Mount Snow Cross Country- Full Men's and Women's Results

Pro Men

1, Geoff Kabush (Rocky Mountain/Maxxis) 1.37.56
2, Sid Taberlay (Sho-Air/Specialized) 1.39.07
3, Todd Wells (Specialized) 1.39.57
4, Jeremy Horgan-Kobelski (Subaru/Gary Fisher) 1.40.51
5, Sam Schultz (Subaru/Gary Fisher) 1.41.55
6, Derek Zandstra
7, Sam Jurekovic (Sho-Air/Specialized)
8, Ishai Rotem
9, Barry Wicks (Kona)
10, Andy Schultz (Kenda/Tomac/Hayes)
11, Carl Decker (Giant)
12, Michael Broderick (Kenda/Seven)
13, Peter Glassford
14, Max Plaxton (Sho-Air/Specialized)
15, Kris Sneddon (Kona)
16, Spencer Paxson
17, Sam Koerber (Gary Fisher 29er Crew)
18, Thomas Turner
19, Colin Cares (Kenda/Tomac/Hayes)
20, Robbie Squire (U-23 National Team)
21, Adam Craig (Giant)
22, Tad Elliot (U-23 National Team)
23, Jesse Jakomait (Cannondale)
24, Ryan Woodall
25, Matt Hadley
26, Adam Snyder (Jamis)
27, Dylan Alessio
28, Stephen Ettinger
29, Dana Weber
30, Macky Franklin
31, Mike Mooradian
32, Ethan Gilmour
33, Tristan Cowie 1 lap down
34, Mike Joos
35, Benjamin Moore
36, Tom Sampson
37, Brent Mellen
38, John Burns
39, Matthew O'Keefe
40, Robert Marion
41, Andrew Alesio
42, Matthew Bailey
43, Andrew Freye
44, Noah Tautfest
45, Martin Kell
46, Blake Harlan
47, Justin Raynes 2 laps down
48, Greg Carpenter
49, Nathan Wyatt
50, Rickey Visinski
51, Shane Gouldthread
52, Scott Frederick
53, Greg Waggoner
54, Kurt Schmid
55, Wiley Mosley
56, Andrew Rigel
57, Jordan Kahlenberg 3 laps down
58, Kat Stratman
59, Leo Sandoval
60, Paul Kolb
61, Greg Montello
62, Arthur White


Pro Women

1, Catharine Pendrel (Luna) 1.35.46
2, Willow Koerber (Subaru/Gary Fisher) 1.36.17
3, Heather Irmiger (Subaru/Gary Fisher) 1.36.42
4, Georgia Gould (Luna)
5, Mary McConneloug (Kenda/Seven)
6, Lea Davison (Rocky Mountain/ Maxxis)
7, Katerina Nash (Luna)
8, Amanda Sin
9, Chloe Forsman (Luna)
10, Zephanie Blasi (Kenda/Tomac/Hayes)
11, Sandra Walter
12, Karen Potter
13, Heather Holmes (Kenda/Tomac/Hayes)
14, Allison Mann (Sho-Air/Specialized)
15, Kimberly Flynn
16, Alexandra Serrano
17, Lydea Tanner
18, Kathy Sherwin (Kenda/Tomac/Hayes)
19, Lindsey Bishop
20, Maureen Bruno Roy
21, Bryne Nestor 1 lap down
22, Jamie Dinkins
23, Jane Pearson
24, Molly Throdahl
25, Danae York 2 laps down
26, Philicia Marion
27, Anina Aaron

Full Results, Report, and Photos from ProXCT #4: Colorado Springs, Colorado

writing and photos by Todd Park

Luna Back on the Rails, Irmiger Double Flats/
Pro XCT series leader Plaxton Uses Descents to Move to the Front

Canadian's win the day, taking four out of ten podium spots in the elite men and women XC races. Catherine Pendrel (Luna Women's MTB) won the Elite Women's race, narrowly putting her in the lead for the series, and Max Plaxton (Team Sho-Air/Specialized) increased his current lead in the series with a win in the men’s field.

Plaxton and Pendral in PRO XCT leader’s jerseys

Cheyenne Mountain XC Course:

With a wide single track for half of the climb, followed by more climbing through technical rock gardens and a treacherous descent, this course was designed to expose weaknesses of both the rider and the ride. The lap distance was just over 5 miles and the call-up was crucial, because there was almost no chance to move up on the paved “parade lap” and passing was difficult once you reached the dirt. Those who had the skills to climb and descend well through the rock gardens, but failed to get a good start position, were at the mercy of less skilled riders in front of them.

All of this made for an exciting race for the front runners of both fields. Lead changes were common and no huge gaps were ever established.

Elite Women:

Catherine Pendrel, riding a hard tail, Orbea, was strongest on the single track climb. She was chased by Katie Compton (Spike Shooter), who made up time on the rocky sections. Heather Irmiger (Gary Fisher/Subaru) also looked strong but needed a rear-wheel change on laps two and three, the second one costing her three spots and a chance for a podium finish. Irmiger was riding a 2x9 29er and later reported that she still needs to play with tire pressure for the bigger wheels.

Pendrel and Compton, a close finish

Pendrel came through just ahead of Compton, where she made a point of being first onto the winding, paved downhill section just before the finish. Pendrel and Compton were followed by Katerina Nash and Georgia Gould (Luna Women’s MTB). Lea Davison (Team Maxxis-Rocky Mountain) made an impressive move on the pavement, just before the corners, passing Pua Sawicki (Ellsworth) and taking the final spot on the podium.

Judy Freeman (Tough Girls), Heather Holmes and Zephanie Blasi (Kenda/Tomac/Hayes) had impressive races as well.

Women’s Podium

Elite Men:

Jeremy Horgan-Kobelski (Gary Fisher/Subaru), on a hard tail 29er, and Todd Wells (Specialized), on a full suspension 29er, were off the front early. “I tried to blow it apart, I didn’t want to race all three Sho-Air guys again” Horgan-Kobelski said after the race. Plaxton was able to close on Wells and Horgan-Kobelski on the second lap, leaving Geoff Kabush (Team Maxxis–Rocky Mountain), Adam Craig (Giant) and Sam Schultz (Gary Fisher/Subaru) to chase. “Max [Plaxton] was descending well” commented Horgan-Kobelski.

Jeremy Horgan-Kobelski

Plaxton got by Wells on the descent of the third lap “I was looking for places to pass” he explained. “Todd [Wells] showed me a great line”.

Todd Wells

On the final lap, Horgan-Kobelski made another big surge on the climb, “I thought I had it, Max [Plaxton] made a sick pass on the last descent”. As it turned out, Plaxton made good use of the line Wells took on the previous lap. “JHK was climbing well and was smooth on the descents but his hard tail wasn’t as fast as my full-suspension [Specialized Epic]. I’m pretty psyched about my first [US cross country] win”.

Canadian Derek Zandstra had a great race and overtook Sam Schultz on the last lap, which put him in the final podium slot.

Men’s Podium

US West Cup Finale

Unofficially, Krista Park (No-Tubes/Magura/INCYCLE) and Sid Taberely (Team Sho-Air/Specialized), while neither having their best race, both did well enough to take the series. Park came in just ahead of Allison Mann (Team Sho-Air/Specialized), her closest competitor in the series. Taberlay, after being in the mix with the leaders at the start of the race, dropped off when his front fork locked up.


1, Catharine Pendrel (Luna) 1.21.03
2, Katie Compton (Spike Shooter) 1.21.04
3, Katerina Nash (Luna) 1.24.02
4, Georgia Gould (Luna) 1.25.03
5, Lea Davison (Rocky Mountain/Maxxis) 1.25.51
6, Pua Sawicki (Ellsworth)
7, Heather Irmiger (Subaur/Gary Fisher)
8, Judy Freeman (Tough Girls/Scott)
9, Heather Holmes (Kenda/Tomac)
10, Zephanie Blasi (Kenda/Tomac)
11, Kathy Sherwin (Kenda/Tomac)
12, Kelli Emmett (Giant)
13, Amanda Carey (KEnda/Tomac)
14, Amdance Sin
15, Sue Butler (Monavie-Cannondale.com)
16, Chloe Forsman (Luna)
17, Aleksandra Rokita
18, Krista Park (Incycle)
19, Allison Mann (Sho-Air/Specialized)
20, Nina Baum
21, Anina Aaron (Kenda/KMC)
22, Lindsey Bishop
23, Caitlyn Tuel
24, Lydia Tanner
25, Melody Serra
26, Erin Huck
27, Maureen Kunz
28, Erika Powers (Revolution/Peak Fasteners)
29, Sonya Bugbee
30, Sara Tarkington
31, Philicia Marion
32, Athena Kraus
33, Danae York

1, Max Plaxton (Sho-Air/Specialized) 1.33.08
2, Jeremy Horgan-Kobelski (Subaru/Gary Fisher) 1.33.10
3, Todd Wells (Specialized) 1.34.03
4, Geoff Kabush (Rocky Mountain/Maxxis) 1.34.27
5, Derek Zandstra 1.36.56
6, Sam Schultz (Subaur/Gary Fisher)
7, Adam Craig (Giant)
8, Sam Jurekovic (Sho-Air/Specialized)
9, Sid Taberlay (Sho-Air/Specialized)
10, Jeremiah Bishop (Monavie-Cannondale.com)
11, Rotem Ishay
12, Chris Sheppard (Jamis)
13, Carl Decker (Giant)
14, Troy Wells (Clif)
15, Manuel Prado (Sho-Air/Specialized)
16, Pater Glassford
17, Benjamin Sonntag (Monavie-Cannondale.com)
18, Matt Shriver
19, Colin Cares (Kenda/Tomac)
20, Macky Franklin
21, Travis Livermon
22, Alex Grant (Monavie-Cannondale.com)
23, Cody Peterson
24, Dana Weber
25, Bryan Alders (Monavie-Cannondale.com)
26, Travis Scheefer
27, Robert Marion (Kenda/KMC)
28, Adam Snyder (3D Racing)
29, Jason Sager (Jamis)
30, Aaron Bradford
31, Andy Schultz (Kenda/Tomac)
32, Robbie Squire (U-23)
33, Ken Onodera (Subaru/Gary Fisher)
34, Kevin Kane
35, TJ Woodruff
36, JJ Clark
37, Stephen Ettinger
38, Adam Parke
39, Benjamin Portilla
40, Scott Frederick
41, Michael McCalla
42, Colby Pierce
43, Dylan Stucki
44, Aaron Elwell
45, Yuki Saito
46, Barkley Robinson
47, Blake Harlan
48, Matt Rotroff
49, Drew Edsall
50, Greg Carpenter
51, Doug Ryden
52, John Nobil
53, Jan Koles
54, SPencer Powlison
55, Daniel Matheny
56, Tad Elliott (U-23)
57, Ryan Clark
58, Alex Ryan
59, Craig Wohlschleger
60, Kalan Biesel
61, Jamie Morgan
62, Chad Harris (Recer's Cycle Service)
63, Joe McNerney
64, Jordon Williford
65, Seamus Powell
66, Ross Bowden
67, Matt Connors
68, Jacob Virostko
69, Mitchell Hoke
70, Bryan Mickiewicz
71, Katriel Statman
72, Chris Peterson
73, Mitchell Peterson

Pro XC Tour Comes to Colorado: Race Preview

Numero Uno, Geoff Kabush is always a threat

Writing and Photos by: Shannon Boffeli

The Pro XCT moves to the mountains of Colorado. The Carmichael Training Systems Sand Creek Invitational in Colorado Springs, Colorado will host round four of the Cross Country national series. The Sand Creek Invitational will treat riders to more climbing and higher altitude than any racecourse on the circuit thus far.

Georgia Gould is only a part of what makes Luna so dominant

The change in altitude should bring some changes in the final outcome. After taking the top three spots in Alabama, the Luna train appears intact and back on the rails. Georgia Gould, Katerina Nash, and Catharine Pendrel are all proven climbers who should excel on the Colorado course. Hoping to derail the train will be U.S. Short Track and Cyclocross National Champion Katie Compton (Spike Shooter). Compton took first at the Teva Mountain Games in Vail last weekend defeating Gould in the process. It is unknown if Compton can handle all three Lunas, a challenge for any rider, even a National Champion.

Other riders to watch for will be Colorado residents Heather Irmiger (Subaru/Gary Fisher), and Kelli Emmett (Giant). Emmett has been slightly under-the-radar this season but she has done enough to occupy 3rd in the Pro XCT standings. Racing in front of the hometown crowd should provide a boost for the Giant rider.

Pua Sawicki (Ellsworth), Kathy Sherwin (Kenda/Tomac), and Lea Davison (Maxxis/Rocky Mountain) all finished in the top-10 in Alabama and are proven climbers capable of scaling onto the podium this weekend.

In the men’s event, Sho-Air/Specialized riders Max Plaxton and Sid Taberlay refuse to give up the top spots in the series. Both riders have proven they can compete in almost any conditions and for that reason are sitting one-two in the Pro XCT standings. Despite a top field in Colorado Springs there is no reason to think Plaxton or Taberlay will relinquish their hold on the series standings.

Todd Wells should be right up front again this weekend

Challenging for the win will be Coloradoan Jeremy Horgan-Kobelski (Subaru/Gary Fisher) who just missed a win in Alabama and defeated nearly the same field of riders at last weekend’s Teva Mountain Games. Another Colorado rider, Todd Wells (Specialized), should have a strong ride on Sunday, provided he avoids the bad luck that has hounded him this season.

Maxxis/Rocky Mountain rider Geoff Kabush will be on hand and is always a threat to win. He hasn’t been his typical dominant self this spring but you can never count the K-Bomb out. His combination of power and cool calculation can produce wins even on bad days. The same can be said about U.S. National XC Champion Adam Craig (Giant). Craig has been off to a slow start in 2009 but he is no doubt building his fitness for the upcoming National Championships in Granby, Colorado.

Kona riders Barry Wicks and Ryan Trebon will be hoping to emerge from their respective cocoons this season. Both riders have been struggling in 2009 and currently sit 30th or below in the Pro XCT standings. Watch for Sam (Subaru/Gary Fisher) and Andy Schultz (Kenda/Tomac) to end up in the top-10. The brothers from Montana know how to climb and have spent an abundance of time riding up front with the big guns this season.

The Carmichael Training Systems Sand Creek Invitational will kick off with a Short Track race on Friday followed by the Cross Country on Saturday. Check back with MTBracenews.com for results, reports, and photos from the events.

Preview: Pro XC Tour #3: Birmingham, Alabama

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

Sea Otter Classic Pro XC Tour #2 Report, Results, and Photos

With it’s barren rock, fine sand, and open expanses many sections of the Sea Otter racecourse appear as if riders are on the surface of the moon. For most riders today felt more like they were riding on the surface of the sun.

As temperatures climbed above 90 degrees, race officials made a last minute decision to shorten the typically long Sea Otter race. The women would be limited to one lap on the 19-mile circuit while the men would do one long lap and a shortened 10-mile cutoff.

 

Prior to the several riders were displeased with the changes made to the time-honored Sea Otter racecourse. Once the race was finished they had changed their minds. The high temperatures wilted even the best riders; only 102 of the 155 men that started the race completed the two laps.

Men’s Race

The men got off to a typically fast start. A giant pack of 155 racers made their way around the Laguna Seca raceway with the Specialized team out front. Once off the track and onto the dirt the race was officially on and World Champion Christoph Sauser was showing off his stuff for the U.S. crowd. Ryan Trebon (Kona) did his best to mark the Specialized man but a crash halfway through the first lap put an end to his hopes of a podium finish.

At the end of the first lap it was the Todd Wells, Burry Stander, and Sauser taking control at the front., with a group of hungry chasers not far behind including Sho-Air teammates Max Plaxton and Sid Taberlay and Sam Schultz (Subaru/Gary Fisher).

As Sauser increased his lead the chasers reeled in Todd Wells who would later succumb to a flat tire before the finish.  That left Sid Taberlay to move into second and Plaxton into third which is where they would finish almost 5 minutes behind the impressive World Champion Christoph Sauser.

Subaru/Gary Fisher teammates Jeremy Horgan-Kobelski and Sam Schultz would finish off the podium in fourth and fifth respectively. With the absence to Geoff Kabush from today's race The Mountie Max Plaxton will take over the lead in the Pro XC Tour.

Race Notes:

Dave “Yellow Jersey Killer” Wiens (Ergon) won the battle for supremacy among mountain bike legends, beating Tinker Juarez, Steve Larsen, and Ned Overend. Wiens showed he still has it finishing 18th in the stacked Pro men's category.

In Saturday's Short Track Jeremy Horgan-Kobelski (Subaru/Gary Fisher) was forced to ride a Supercaliber with 26 inch wheels. His usual 29er ride was lost on the flight back from the South African World Cup. His bike made it back in time for Sunday's XC.

Women’s Race

Today Georgia Gould (LUNA) put to bed any notions that she doesn’t race well in the heat. Gould suffered a serious case of heat stroke at last year’s NMBS race at Los Olivos, which led to questions about her performance when the temperatures spike. At Sea Otter, she left no doubt there is very little that can slow her down.

Gould simply powered her way through the course using her big engine to create gaps on the open doubletrack climbs and flats. Behind Gould, Lene Byberg (Specialized) and Catherine Pendrel (LUNA) battled. Both have experience racing each other at the World Cup level and it showed. They matched each other’s attacks repeatedly throughout the race and finished just seven seconds apart with Byberg taking the runner-up spot.

Behind them last year’s Sea Otter Champion Kelli Emmett (Giant) put together another podium finish in fourth followed by Willow Koerber (Subaru/Gary Fisher).

Race Notes:

Minnesota rider Jenna Rinehart (Specialized) took 9^th in today’s XC, putting the finishing touches on a fantastic weekend of racing for the newly wed. Jenna (formerly Zander) finished 10^th in the Short Track Saturday taking a total of 2 top-10 finishes in her first Pro XC Tour race this season.

Pro Women:
1. Georgia Gould (Luna)
2. Lene Byberg (Specialized)
3. Cathrine Pendrel (Luna Chix)
4. Kelli Emmett (Giant)
5. Willow Koerber (Subaru/Gary Fisher)
6. Pua Sawicki (Ellsworth)
7. Katernia Nash
8. Heather Irmiger (Subaru-Gary Fisher)
9. Jenna Rinehart (Specialized)
10. Lorenza Morfin
11. Emily Batty (Trek Store)
12. Amanda Sin (3 Rox Racing

Pro Men:
1. Christoph Sauser (Specialized)
2. Sid Taberlay (Sho-Air/Specialized)
3. Max Plaxton (Sho-Air/Specialized)
4. Jeremy Horgan-Kobelski (Subaru/Gary Fisher)
5. Sam Schultz (Subaru/Gary Fisher)
6. Todd Wells (Specialized)
7. Jeremiah Bishop (Monavie-Cannondle.com)
8. Conrad Stoltz
9. Carl Decker (Giant)
10. Ken Onodera ( Subaru/Gary Fisher)
11. Stefan Widmer (Rocky Mountain)
12. Manuel Prado (Sho-Air/Specialized)

See Full Results at
http://www.seaotterclassic.com/raceresults/index.cfm/2009.htm

Sea Otter Classic Pro Short Track Photos

Todd Wells leads a supercharged group riders to the opening climb

World Champion Christoph Sauser takes charge the second time up a the climb

Burry Stander takes his turn in the lead as Sauser drifts it sideways with a rear flat

A very strong Sam Schultz charges through the course with Jeremiah Bishop just behind

Todd Wells is triumpant and crosses the line with a healthy gap

With 3 laps to go Catherine Pendrel makes what seemed to be the winning move

Heather Irmiger and Emily Batty do their best to chase down the lone LUNA rider

Wise beyond her years, Emily Batty closes the gap on Pendrel and immediately goes on the attack

Batty changes lanes to make the pass

Batty completes the race winning move on the final lap

Sea Otter Classic Men's Short Track Report, Results, and Photos

A star-studded field took to the start line at this year’s Sea Otter Short Track.Among the heavyweights were World Champion Christoph Sauser (Specialized) and South African Burry Stander (Specialized). Both men were coming off top-5 finishes in the World Cup opener and a stunning performance at the Cape Epic, which saw them claim 5 stage wins. Race fans were anxious to see if the Americans could hang with Specialized Dynamic Duo.

Sauser did not disappoint, taking the lead on the first lap he pushed the pace hard at the front. His teammate Stander was close behind with Jeremy Horgan-Kobelski (Subaru/Gary Fisher), Ryan Trebon (Kona), and Todd Wells (Specialized). The pace at the front was furious and after two laps JHK, and Trebon began to fall back. Wells capitalized on this opportunity and bridged up to his Specialized teammates.

Once the three Specialized riders were on the front they immediately checked out from the chasers. Wells, Sauser, and Stander created an insurmountable gap, the type of gap you would expect in a two hours Cross Country race.

Behind the leaders Trebon and JHK stayed strong but the early effort had clearly drained them, slowly each lap they lost time to their pursuers. Carl Decker (Giant), Sam Schultz (Subaru/Gary Fisher) and Jeremiah Bishop (Monavie-Cannondale.com) were coming, and about that time the World Champion Sauser flatted, opening up third place.

With third place up for grabs there was no question who would take the top two spots. Wells and Stander traded the lead but Wells opened some space on Stander with one lap to go and he never looked back. Cruising his Specialized 29er across the line in first. Stander came in just behind him in second and the race for third was heating up.

On his own, Decker caught and passed Trebon and JHK to move into the coveted 3rd spot but Schultz and Bishop were not about to give up. They kept the chase on and by the final lap Bishop jumped the gap from Schultz to the Giant rider. Coming into the final chicane they were wheel to wheel but Decker proved too much for the Bishop taking 3rd in a sprint finish. After the race Bishop said, “I thought I might get him in the sprint but very few people are smarter on a bike than Carl Decker. I tried to go wide in the last corner but he closed the door on he and that was it.”

Schultz crossed the line in 5th taking the final podiums spot.

Race Notes:

North Carolina rider Rob Marion (Kenda) had an impressive ride to finish 8th. Today was Marion’s first top-10 in a National Short Track event. After the race he said, “Short Track always hurts, but it’s a little easier when guys are coming back to you.”

The Sho-Air/Specialized team of Max Plaxton, Sam Jurekovic, and Sid Taberlay did not participate in today's Short Track event, no doubt saving up for tomorrow's main event.

1. Todd Wells (Specialized)
2. Burry Stander (Specialized)
3. Carl Decker (Giant)
4. Jeremiah Bishop (Monavie-Cannondale.com)
5. Andy Schultz (Kenda/Tomac)
6. Ryan Trebon (Kona)
7. Jeremy Horgan-Kobelski (Subaru/Gary Fisher)
8. Rob Marion (Kenda)
9. Seamus McGrath (Jamis)
10, Colin Cares (Kenda/Tomac)

Full Results Here

Sea Otter Classic Women's Short Track Report, Results, and Photos

In the women's event all eyes were on the LUNA women's mountain bike team to continue their winning ways. LUNA has dominated women's mountain biking, especially Short Track and with the return of Katerina Nash the Short Track specialist it seemed today would be no different.

Indeed, a fast start saw the LUNA women's team send two riders to the front group, Georgia Gould and Catherine Pendrel. Today however, they weren’t on their own. Heather Irmiger (Subaru/Gary Fisher), Emily Batty (Trek), and Norwegian Lene Byberg (Specialized) were all in the lead group. These five riders would stay together throughout the entire race. All taking turns at the lead, all pushing the pace.

At about the halfway point Byberg put in an attack that saw her move solo into the lead. After one lap the chase group had closed the gap. The bunch regrouped and rode the next several laps wheel to wheel until Pendrel attacked with just three laps remaining.

In a move that seemed right out of the LUNA playbook, Pendrel quickly opened a gap to 10 seconds over the chasers. The pace was high behind the LUNA rider but she maintained her slim margin and it seemed she would stay clear to the finish.

The chasers weren’t about the throw in the towel. Byberg, Irmiger, and Batty picked up the pace on the final lap as Gould laid back unwilling to chase her teammate. The chase group got closer and when Pendrel was in sight just before the climb on the final lap Batty exploded.

She quickly closed the gap to the leader and immediately went on the attack. Moving around Pendrel and into the lead. She charged up the final climb and stayed on the gas all the way to the finish.

Byberg overtook Pendrel to finish in second; the LUNA rider Pendrel would come home in third. Irmiger stayed strong and finished in 4th followed by Georgia Gould.



1. Emily Batty (Trek)
2. Lene Byberg (Specialized)
3. Cathrine Pendrel (LUNA)
4. Heather Irmiger (Subaru-Gary Fisher)
5. Georgia Gould (Luna)
6. Kelli Emmett (Giant)
7. Willow Koerber (Subaru/Gary Fisher)
8. Katernia Nash (LUNA)
9. Melanie McQuaid (Sho-Air/Specialized)
10.Jenna Rinehart (Specialized)

Full Results Here

Fontana City National: Pro Men XC Report, Photos, and Results

Geoff Kabush goes 4 for 4 in Fontana

Barry Wicks leads a group up the opening climb

With over 110 pro men toeing the line in Fontana intense action was pretty much guaranteed. The resounding favorite was Maxxis/Rocky Mountain rider Geoff Kabush. The Canadian National Champion has won all three events held at the California venue. 

Even with Kabush the field was stacked with high-level talent including Adam Craig (Giant), Jeremiah Bishop, (Monavie-Cannondale.com), Gary Fisher teammates Jeremy Horgan-Kobelski, Todd Wells (Specialized), and the Specialized/Sho-Air trio of Sid Taberlay, Max Plaxton, and Sam Jurekovic.

As promised the action started right from the gun. Unfortunately for Todd Wells, it was not the kind of action he was hoping for. The Specialized rider broke his chain 100 yards into the race. After fixing it he started the race minutes behind the last placed rider. Jurekovic found trouble of his own as his rear skewer sheared off at the bottom of the first climb. The young rider wasn’t ready to quit as he picked up his bike and started running the course.

Kabush got off the line much better and led into the first climb. Unlike 2008, he carried a bunch of riders along with him, namely Bishop, Taberlay, and Plaxton.
After the first lap the leaders shed Bishop. Kabush was left to handle the two Sho-Air riders on his own. After three laps Taberlay began to fall of the pace leaving Paxton and Kabush on even terms at the front.

The two riders stayed close together throughout the closing laps. Kabush threw several small attacks at the younger rider on the penultimate lap but nothing stuck. He finally loosened Paxton with an acceleration the final time up the technical opening climb on the fifth and final lap.

Geoff Kabush charging in front of Sid Taberlay and Jeremiah Bishop

This one stuck. He opened up a 20 second lead on the Sho-Air rider and that was all Kabush needed. The Canadian Champion stayed on the gas until the finish taking his 4th consecutive Fontana national event.

Jeremy Horgan-Kobelski gets up close and personal with a boulder in the singletrack

Behind the two leaders came an ever-changing group of riders. Third place on the course cycled between Australian Sid Taberlay, Jeremiah Bishop, JHK, Adam Craig, and Sam Schultz. After three laps the Gary Fisher pair seemed to find each other and began making their way toward the front. The Fisher riders rolled their 29er Superflys through the course dispatching Bishop and a quickly fading Taberlay finally relegating U.S. National Champion Adam Craig into fifth place.

Sid Taberlay would finally finish in sixth followed by Canadians Derek Zandstra (3-Rox Racing) and Seamus McGrath (Jamis). Monavie’s Jeremiah Bishop rolled in ninth followed by Todd Wells. One can only speculate where Wells would have placed had he not broken his chain and been forced to pass 104 of the 114 rider field. Although he finished 10th, Wells had one of the most impressive rides of the day.

When asked after the race if Kabush just expected to win here at Fontana he said, “You never know what to expect but I’ve won here before without being in the best condition. The training has been going well and I knew I was 100% coming in here…I felt pretty in control the whole race.” I don’t think anyone can argue that Kabush is in control when it comes to Fontana.

Sam Schultz descends on lap one

Sam Schultz had one of the more impressive rides at Pro XC Tour #1. His fourth place is a significant improvement for the young rider. After the race he commented on his quickly improving results, "It seems like things have gone really smoothly this off-season. This year I'm finally starting to figure everything out and balancing things. There's a lot to figure out as far as training goes and I just hope I'm finally getting it."

Many stories will come out of Sunday's cross country. Perhaps the most important is that the Pro XC Tour and Kenda Cup promoters created at thoroughly exciting and action packed men's cross country event. With tight racing lines, tricky Pro only descents, and an abundance of talent the Pro men provided an outstanding show.

Race Notes:

The award for best new look of 2009 goes to Adam Snyder (3D Racing). While many of the younger riders are sporting mustaches, none can match the all out Burt Reynolds look of Snyder. He may be looking to trade his bike in for a Trans Am.

Writing and Photos by: Shannon Boffeli

1. Geoff Kabush
2. Max Plaxton
3. Jeremy Horgan-Kobelski
4. Sam Schultz
5. Adam Craig
6. Sid Taberlay
7, Derek Zandstra
8, Seamus McGrath
9, Jeremiah Bishop
10, Todd Wells
11, Troy Wells
12, Andy Schultz
13, Carl Decker
14, Kris Sneddon
15, Adam Morka
16, Barry Wicks
17, Travis Livermon
18, Manuel Prado
19, Stefan Widmer
20, Tad Elliot
21, Robbie Squire

Fontana City National Pro Women's XC: Georgia Gould Takes The Win With a Late Race Surge

Race winner Georgia Gould

Writing and Photos by: Shannon Boffeli

The women’s race started at 11:30 today under blue sunny skies and warm temperatures. All eyes were on the Luna Women’s Mountain Bike Team to see if they would continue their domination of the national series. Everyone knew Luna riders Catherine Pendrel and Georgia Gould would be in good shape but due to a hectic travel schedule the Luna team arrived in Fontana just hours before the race started and neither racer had a chance to ride the new race course before the start gun fired.

The Luna duo quickly put to rest any notions that they wouldn’t win the opening round of the Pro XC Tour.

Pendrel rides the top of the steep technical climb on the fourth and final lap

From the gun Gould surged to the front and by the time they started the first climb of the day Gould and Pendrel were out front. The two exchanged the lead often with Pendrel surging ahead on the steep climbs and tight singletrack. She was the only woman to clean the entire first climb without stopping. Gould on the other hand, would grind her way to the lead on the open power climbs.

While these two battled at the front Heather Irmiger (Subaru/Gary Fisher) quietly established herself in third place, ticking out a consistent pace just behind the Luna duo. Irmiger has made some changes in her position on the bike and her training over the off-season and it has clearly paid dividends as she rode uncontested in third.

Canadian Under-23 rider Emily Batty

Canadian Under-23 rider Emily Batty proved to be a serious contender, riding strong in fourth position throughout the day. The young rider was impressive on the longer open climbs pushing the pace often out of the saddle well into the later stages of the race. Much like Irmiger she rode a consistently all day and was never at risk of losing her 4th spot.

Just behind Batty a back and forth battle between Willow Koerber (Subaru/Gary Fisher), Pua Sawicki (Ellsworth), Amanda Sin (3-Rock), Kelli Emmett (Giant), and X-Terra Champion Melanie McQuaid (Specialized/Sho-Air) raged. All riders were vying for the final spot on the podium. Koerber took the early advantage with McQuaid and Emmett just behind.

As the race went on it seemed the X-Terra Champ didn’t have as much depth to her form as the other riders. As she faded back Amanda Sin moved up closing the gap with Koerber and the two rode wheel to wheel.

On the final lap it was Gould who held the lead at the top of the first technical climb. Once over the top she could use her raw power to edge farther away from her Luna teammate and the rest of the field. Gould charged her way to the finish, taking her second consecutive win in Fontana. Pendrel crossed the line in second followed by Irmiger, and Batty.

With the final podium spot on the line Willow Koerber and Amanda Sin rounded the final turn still locked together. They quickly wound it up with Koerber proving to have the bigger engine taking the fifth and final spot on the podium.

Kelli Emmett crossed the line in 7th, followed by Sawicki, Melanie McQuaid, and Allison Mann (IE Bikes) having a fantastic ride in her first race as a professional.

Heather Irmiger attacks the hike-a-bike section

After the race both Luna riders commented that they enjoyed the new course despite not getting a chance to ride it before the race. Once again it appears the Luna team are the ones to beat on the Pro XC Tour. We will see if any of the other women can knock them off the top of the podium at the Sea Otter Classic in April.

Pro Women Results

1. Georgia Gould (Luna)
2. Cathrin Pendrel
3. Heather Irmiger (Subaru-Gary Fisher)
4. Emily Batty
5. Willow Koerber (Subaru/Gary Fisher)
6. Amanda Sin
7. Kelli Emmett (Giant)
8. Pua Sawicki (Ellsworth)
9. Melanie McQuaid (Sho-Air/Specialized)
10. Alison Man
11. Kathy Sherwin
12. Chloe Forsman (Luna)
13. Amanda Carey
14. Krista Park
15, Aleksandra Rokita
16, Natasha Hernday
17, Anina Aaron
18, Sue Butler
19, Zephanie Blasi
20, Maureen Kunz
21, Sarah Kaufmann

Fontana City National: Pro XC Tour #1 Pre Race Report

Ryan Trebon and Todd Wells chatting it up with Mr. Ned Overend

The first event of every race season is filled with questions waiting to be answered. Who will be the fastest? Who will burst on the race scene this year? This Sunday will not just be the first race of the season it will be the birth of an entirely new United States professional racing series. The Pro Cross Country Tour (Pro XCT) and with that come a whole new set of unanswered questions. It seems clear the Pro XCT wants to make a break from the past and that can be seen in this year’s race course.

The route the pro riders will be competing on is a significant departure from the Fontana race course of old. Sunday’s course is shorter, only 5.2 miles long. The course also features more singletrack and more technical riding. And for the first time in many years the pro riders will be using their granny gear in a National series race.

Each lap begins with a steep, technical singletrack climb followed by some tricky rocky descending. Initially the Pro women were told they would be skipping the more technical aspects of the descent. When asked about it they overwhelmingly voted to include the challenging rock drops and gullies in their race. After finishing the descent the riders attack the pavement climb, which has been a feature in previous Fontana races. Once over the climb the riders continue through a shortened version of the old Fontana course.

Rock features on the new Pro course singletrack, the pavement climb is in the distance

In the women’s race riders to watch for include anyone wearing a Luna Women’s Mountain Bike Team jersey. That includes top favorites Catherine Pendrel and Georgia Gould. They finished 1-2 at the recent Continental Championships and I wouldn’t be surprised if they do it again on Sunday.

Kelli Emmett (Giant) should be mixing it up at the front. The Giant rider had a breakout 2008 season and seems to be picking up where she left off after winning the Super D. Subaru/Gary Fisher teammates Heather Irmiger and Willow Koerber are always race favorites.

I would look for Pua Sawicki (Ellsworth) to muscle her way onto the podium. The ultra-endurance superstar finished 10th here last year and has been putting more focus on the shorter cross country events. Canadian Emily Batty (Trek) should also be riding high after a win in the under-23 Continental Championships last weekend.

Picking a victor in the men’s event has to start with Geoff Kabush (Maxxis/Rocky Mountain). Kabush in undefeated in all three events held here and coming off undoubtedly his best season, which saw him take 5th at the World Cup finals in Australia. After K-Bomb comes U.S. National XC Champion Adam Craig who should be buoyed by the more technical trail, which suits his renowned bike handling skills.

Specialized ace Todd Wells is on hand, no doubt looking to continue the fantastic form what carried him to the Beijing last season. Wells has a ton of experience racing on the World Cup scene in Europe and should do well on the World Cup style course in Fontana.

The same goes for Jeremiah Bishop (Monavie-Cannondale.com). Bishop has a big engine and finely tuned handling skills, which should come in handy on the new Fontana course. We will have to see how making the switch to a new team and being a new dad have affected him.

Watch for the Sho-Air trio of Sam Jurekovic, Max Plaxton, and Sid Taberlay to put on a show for the home crowd. Plaxton and Jurekovic both finished in the top-5 at Fontana last year and Taberlay won the opening round of the US Cup West at Bonelli Park.

Sam Schultz scales the slick rock on the challenging opening climb

The men’s field is bursting with talent this season. Many racers have a chance to burst on the scene and take a surprise podium spot like Kona rider Barry Wicks. He was the only rider to match Kabush’s furious pace here in 2008. Sam Schultz (Subaru/Gary Fisher) could also sneak onto the podium after his spectacular finish in Chile last weekend. And you can never count out his teammate, Jeremy Horgan-Kobelski.

With roughly 115 riders in the Pro men’s field and lap times of roughly 22 minutes many riders should be wary of being pulled. In accordance with UCI rules course marshals will be pulling riders based on the 80% rule.

With all the changes that have occured in U.S. mountain bike racing in the past 6 months it is clear one thing remains the same. U.S. cross country racing is the best in North America and these racers are here to win.

Ryan Trebon sporting only one chainring, a trick he is carrying over from Cyclocross

Fontana City National: Pro XC Tour #1

Super D National Champion Adam Craig leads in the final sections of singletrack as Carl Decker waits to make his winning move

Pro Women's Super D Winner Kelli Emmett cruises in solo for the victory

Super D

Pro Men

1, Carl Decker (Giant) 10.05
2, Adam Craig (Giant) 10.05.3
3, Travis Livermon
4, Aaron Bradford
5, Ryan Woodall
6, Trevor Downing
7, Robert Marion
8, Nate Byrom
9, Alex Ryan
10, Eric Biermann

Pro Women

1,Kelli Emmett (Giant) 12.14
2, Sue Butler (Monavie-Cannondale.com) 12.42
3, Anina Aaron
4, Maureen Kunz
5, Sarah Kaufmann
6, Jamie Stamps
7, Phillicia Marion
8,Michelle Rivera

Pro Men's Podium

Pro Women's Podium with Kelli Emmett sporting the Fontana City National Winner's Jersey