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Chrissy Redden-Ultimate
Teammate
Chevy Trucks National Championship Series #4 Cross Country - Crystal Mountain, Washington by Andy Bishop |
Chevy Trucks National Off-Road Bicycling Association (NORBA) Series -
Race #4
Crystal Mountain, Washington August 4, 2000
Men's Race
After the grueling race last weekend in Utah, the NORBA officials elected to have a shorter race for this week's edition in Crystal Mountain, Washington, which was mostly supported by the majority of the racers. (Plus, many are heading to the Mercury Tour in Steamboat Springs next week and wanted to keep a little in reserve for that five-day stage race.) Still, the course contained a number of challenges, the largest being a very steep incline up a dirt road. The freshly cut trails through the old-growth forests offered a challenging descent too, which gradually deteriorated throughout the race (and after the women raced too).
After twenty seconds of racing, Pavel Tcherkassov and Ryder Hesjedal (both Gary Fisher/SAAB riders) took the lead up the first dirt-road climb; Pavel entered the single track descent first, with LL Bean rider Steve Larsen in second and Ryder in third. Ryder then passed Steve during a single track climb, catching up to Pavel, and the two moved to a twenty second lead after the first lap. They rode together for the next lap, maintaining the pressure until some of the chasing group riders started catching up.
I (Andy Bishop, team Gary Fisher/SAAB) felt somewhat decent today, riding in 12th place for the first half of the race and feeling better each lap. Unfortunately, I must have hit some sharp rock, which sliced a two-inch cut in my tire, promptly flatting my rear tire, and thus ending the day for me too. Needless to say, it was extremely frustrating to miss a chance at a respectable result, especially considering there aren't that many more races on the schedule!!
Near half race, Canadian Geoff Kabush (Team Kona) blasted off the front looking for his first NORBA NCS win, with Seamus McGrath (Team Haro) moving into second, Larsen in third, and Tcherkassov in fourth. Entering the last lap, it looked like this might be the finishing order but Kabush suffered a devastating puncture, McGrath dropped his chain, and then Larsen advantageously moved into the lead. Pavel remained in fourth during all this and Ryder drifted back to 12th by the finish. Andreas Hestler of the Ford Devinci Team rounded out the top five.
Men's Results
1st Steve Larsen LL Bean/Mongoose
2nd Seamus McGrath Haro
3rd Geoff Kabush Kona
4th Pavel Tcherkassov Gary Fisher/SAAB
5th Andreas Hestler Ford DeVinci
Mary Grigson
(click to enlarge)
Women's Race
Chrissy didn't send a report in yet but we hope she writes something. She worked with Mary Grigson and they dominated the race as usual and at the end Mary was first over the line with Chrissy right there. Ms. Redden won't be racing the final national event so this puts Mary back in the leader's jersey. What a great team Gary Fisher has put together. Great racers, great teamwork, great vibes.... a history making team.
Sue Haywood (Trek/VW/WV Div. of Tourism) is coming on strong this season proving that her 4th place in the short track at Mt. Snow was no fluke. She finished 7th ahead of Ann Trombley and just 2:34 back!!