Updates from MTB

MONGOOSE HILLBILLY DOWNHILL & SUPER-D RACE

Mon, 13 Oct 2008 10:09:49 GMT

Sponsors: Mongoose, FOX Racing, Division 26 Clothing, Kenda & THE.

October 13, 2008 – Temecula, CA You don’t have to know how to spell bicycle to ride one, so grab your tooth, your coon hat, your sister and wife, (it's okay if they are one and the same) and enjoy a hoot and a holler at the First Annual Mongoose Hillbilly Bike Bash.

Imagine a serious gravity event mashed together with fun and games Redneck style! We call it the Mongoose Hillbilly Bike Bash and it’s sure to be a classic, when you combine tons of fun both on and off the bike with over 300 friends, family and MTB enthusiasts. Plan on a family affair that people will be talking about for years, with a weekend of racing, camping and redneck games like toilet seat horseshoes, Slingshot Shootout & the Redneck Sled Pull this is a weekend not to miss.

The event will be held at the beautiful Vail Lake Resort located halfway between major populations of Los Angeles and San Diego in the city of Temecula, CA. The resorts amenities include biking, waterslides, swimming, miniature golf, bar, deli, general store alongside 500 RV sites and a dedicated tent camping area.

The FOX Super D will headline the first day of competition on Saturday, November 8. FOX Super-D is a hybrid event that incorporates both Cross Country and Downhill elements. Throw in a free-for-all mass start on the wide hillside at Vail Lake and FOX Super D promises to be a spectacular sight. Did we mention it all goes off in true Hillbilly fashion with a guy wearing a coonskin cap and belly hanging overalls?

On Sunday, November 9 the action moves over to the Mongoose Hillbilly Downhill course where we have a fast course mixed with man made, natural features, jumps and classic So Cal soil for your racing enjoyment. Dress up like your favorite hills dweller and take a shot at best Hillbilly costume while racing for your shot at the STUMP.

Fun & Games: The Redneck Games are guaranteed to put a smile on your face and earn you big prizes like Bike Frames, Forks and Helmets with Slingshot Shootout, Bobbin' for Pig's Feet, Toilet Seat Horseshoes and the Redneck Sled pull with your master of ceremonies Mike “Hollywood” Miranda.

Race Events:

Mongoose Hillbilly Downhill Race.
FOX Super-D Race.
Racers & Chasers XC Race (Please check http://www.racersandchasers.com/ for details, signup and schedule for XC race only.
Updated schedule information and a link to online registration for participants are at http://www.pcamtb.com/events/.

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About Progressive Cycle Association
You may know Eric Carter or "EC" as his friends refer to him or you may not, but what you should know is his dedication and passion for cycling. He’s spent over two decades racing at the pro level and has garnered many world and national titles in both MTB and BMX. In addition to being a great ambassador for the sport of mountain biking, Eric brings a wealth of knowledge to event promotion as the current course builder for Jeep 48STRAIGHT Mountain Bike Series, Dual Slalom at IVCP Bike Park in Eagle Idaho And consultant/builder on many other world class dual slalom, downhill and mountain cross courses.

With EC’s experience and insight into what racers want along with a motivated passionate team, we are dedicated to bringing you the best races and memories you can get while on two wheels.

RedBull Rampage Finals

Tue, 07 Oct 2008 12:38:46 GMT

Courtesy of www.freecaster.tv

RedBull Rampage Qualifying:

Mon, 06 Oct 2008 10:29:12 GMT

Aaron Gwin Interview: BikeMag.com

Thu, 04 Sep 2008 15:48:30 GMT

Online Exclusive: Aaron Gwin Is Turning heads

Win a Wakeboard

Wed, 03 Sep 2008 10:28:59 GMT

Want Rusty Malinoski’s Hyperlite Marek? The King of Wake series has got the hook up. Go to www.loopd.com/members/kingofwake and add them as a Friend. It’s pretty easy, the winner of the board will be selected from the King of Wakes friends, just in time for the 2008 WWA Wakeboard World Championships (9/4 to 9/7 in Oklahoma City, OK).

Go to www.loopd.com/members/kingofwake to WIN!

C.Y.A. Protective Gear Launches "Crash Bus" on The...

Wed, 27 Aug 2008 10:11:15 GMT

Specialty retailer dives into social media with interactive fun while offering action sports athletes “Proof you should gear up!”

Carlsbad, CA - August 27, 2008 – C.Y.A. Protective Gear, a new retailer of safety gear for sports, and Loop’d Network^™, the leading social network for action sports and youth culture, today launched the “Crash Bus” online community at (www.crashbus.com). A killer way to engage young action sports athletes, Crash Bus features a video challenge between members to submit their “crash videos” and compete for a coveted “seat on the bus”. Members will have the chance to “ride” weekly and C.Y.A. will provide opportunities to win protective gear as a reward for the best of the best.

“The irony is that we are really using Crash Bus to underscore the importance of gearing up to athletes and enthusiasts alike”, said Jason Zinn, President of C.Y.A. Protective Gear. “Safety gear can prevent serious injuries and even save lives, but you can’t preach to this audience. Everyone loves a good crash, but no one wants to see anyone get hurt. These crash videos either demonstrate what can happen when you are not protected, or show that choosing to wear protective gear can mean the difference of walking away or not. Partnering with Loop’d to create a strong association and re-enforcement through community is what we are going for here; Crashes happen, so it’s smart to protect yourself.”

The community will also offer members sponsorship opportunities, contests, and discounts on protective gear including Helmets, Pads, Knee and Ankle Braces, Back and Spine Protectors, Neck Braces, Mouthguards and more from top brands like Dainese, EVS Sports, SixSixOne, Bell, Shock Doctor, Pro-Tec, DonJoy and Aircast.

“Crash Bus is a unique community on the Loop’d Network that also delivers an important message”, said Scott Tilton, chief executive of Loop’d Network. “C.Y.A. has found an innovative way to engage athletes in an interactive community while reminding them that Protective Gear can reduce injuries and in some cases save lives. It all fits together as a part of the member experience on Loop’d.”

More…

To join the C.Y.A. community and win a chance to ride the bus visit www.crashbus.com to register and create a profile. Once registered, members can interact and enjoy all the benefits of the community and explore across the Loop’d Network.

About C.Y.A. Protective Gear

C.Y.A. is the choice for action sports and team sports athletes alike. Focused on offering the best sports safety gear and pads, C.Y.A. is the number one destination for quality protective gear, competitive pricing, superior customer service, 24/7 access to the site and customer accounts, and a complete source of information for injury prevention and treatment. For more information, visit www.CYAProtectiveGear.com.

About Loop’d Network

Loop’d Network is THE social network for action sports and youth culture. A place for Pros, Am’s and Fans to share with friends, discover what’s happening in their favorite sports, showcase their talent, and explore life. Our unique approach to social media and brand engagement provides unprecedented opportunities to personally connect with a highly influential youth demographic in more relevant and authentic ways. For more information, visit www.loopd.com.

Cody Warren & Kathy Pruitt Capture Titles at First...

Mon, 25 Aug 2008 10:06:28 GMT

August 08 | Jeep 48STRAIGHT

Youth and experience may be the most fitting descriptors to explain the separate paths Cody Warren of Alpine, Calif., and Kathy Pruitt of Santa Cruz, Calif., took in snaring titles at the first leg of the Jeep 48STRAIGHT Mountain Bike Series today at Diablo Freeride Park in Vernon, N.J.

It was the first Jeep mountain biking win for both athletes, including past Jeep King of the Mountain mountain-cross events and this inaugural Jeep 48STRAIGHT dual slalom event, earning the pair a $5,000 cash payout and valuable standings points toward the season championship, where a new 2008 Jeep Grande Cherokee awaits.

Warren, 22, needed a fast start, some fortuitous crashes and a strong finish to bring home the win, especially considering the match-ups he faced in each round of the competition. He began the day against U.S. National Champion Gerrit Beytagh of Fletcher, N.C., winning two straight runs before meeting Chris Van Dine of Park City, Utah, a rider with over 20 titles spanning all disciplines of mountain bike racing. Warren, himself a 2005 U.S. National Champion, swept both races and moved into the semi-finals, where he faced off against current National Mountain Bike Series leader, Petr Hanak of Winter Park, Colo. After dismissing Hanak in both races, he earned a spot in the Championship Heat against young standout J.D. Swanguen of San Diego. Swanguen, only 19 but coming off an impressive win at Crankworx in Whistler, B.C., won the first race of the finals, but in the last race of the afternoon, suffered a crash that opened the door for Warren to coast home with the victory.

“The biggest difference for me from last year to this year has been learning to save my strength, maintaining consistency in each round, and being careful not to push so hard that you get sloppy and crash,” said Warren, who last year finished just off the podium in fourth place at each of the three Jeep mountain bike races. “When I saw Brian Lopes go down early, I knew it was open for everyone in the field. This win is definitely among the best in my career, and I’m happy to be going home with some good money.”

One of the most shocking developments of the day was the crash that knocked Laguna Beach, Calif.’s, Lopes out of the event. The four-time World Champion and nine-time U.S. National Champion breezed by Open Qualifier and 16th seed Lars Tribus of Milford, N.J. in the first race, and it appeared to be just another warm-up round for the veteran. In the second race, however, Lopes took a spill off his bike that allowed Tribus to ease down the racecourse for the win, perhaps impacting the outcome of the entire day’s competition.

Pruitt’s advantage heading into the day was clearly experience, and the 10-year veteran and 2007 U.S. National Champion, used every ounce of it to earn the title. In the first race of the day, she matched up against three-time World Cup winner Fionn Griffiths of Great Britain and advanced with back-to-back wins. In the semi-finals against former U.S. Open Champion Lisa Myklak of Boulder, Colo., Pruitt won the first race but lost the second by a slight margin, moving into the finals thanks to the time differential advantage. There she faced prohibitive favorite Melissa Buhl of Chandler, Ariz., the reigning World Champion and U.S. National Champion who reached the Championship Heat having not lost a single race. Pruitt stormed to a win in a tight first race, and took advantage of a spill by Buhl in the second race to secure the victory.

“I didn’t come here with the intention of winning, but I’m really proud of myself for earning this title,” said Pruitt. “I’m really sorry that Melissa fell, but I’m glad I had a chance to go up against her in the final. We have all had our falls, and that’s the way it is sometimes. She is my buddy and my first reaction was to stop, but I reminded myself that there was $5,000 waiting for me at the bottom of the hill. This is my biggest achievement to date, and now I want to take this momentum to the World Cup circuit and see what I can do.”

Each event of the Jeep 48STRAIGHT summer season will receive national broadcast coverage on CBS Sports, representing the most visibility of any mountain biking event in the sport. The event at Mountain Creek will air on CBS Sports on September 28.

Jeep 48STRAIGHT now heads to The Canyons Resort in Park City, Utah, on September 19-20 for the second leg of the summer tour, with the season finale set for October 24-25 at The Madonna Inn in San Luis Obispo, Calif.

BMX in the Olympics Tonight - Take a Lap with Mike...

Tue, 19 Aug 2008 14:53:37 GMT

It’s the moment the entire BMX world has been waiting for! The first round of qualifiers are happening tonight on NBC at 8pm. Check your local listings for exact times.

Check out Beijingbmx.com to see what the racers will see! Take a lap with Mike Day around the replica Olympic BMX track.

When you’re done watching, join the Beijing BMX community to show your support for BMX!

Aug. 19th 8:00-9:00pm, Primetime, Live ET/CT - Men's BMX Cycling
Aug. 20th 12:30-2:00am - Men's BMX Cycling Quarterfinals
Aug. 20th 2:00-5:00am - Men's BMX Cycling, Primetime Replay
Aug. 20th 8:00-10:00pm, Primetime, Live ET/CT - Mens and Womens BMX Cycling Finals
Aug. 21st 2:00-5:00am - Mens and Womens BMX Cycling Finals, Primetime Replay

5 Questions with 2008 DH World Champ - Gee Atherto...

Fri, 27 Jun 2008 08:44:51 GMT

1) Waking up the morning of the Race, did you envision being the World Champ?

I did for sure yes. The world champs is such a prestigious title, everyone pushes that little bit harder for it. You have to really feel like you belong in the race to be able to win.

2) What was the last thing you thought about before leaving the Start House?

Just how good I look in a skin suit...

3) When you crossed the finish line, did you know you’d won?

Yeah but there is always that split second when you cross the line when you don’t know, and that is an incredible feeling, so much tension and build up, then as soon as you realize you've done it., it is a massive feeling of relief.

4) Do you have any superstitions before you race?

I used to have loads of them, but now its more just a case of having a routine because I know it works... although I never put my helmet on before I put my gloves on....

5) Who would you like to Thank?

I like to say thanks to all my sponsors who have been supporting me all year, and also the rest of the team. World champs is always a mega intense week, and I think it puts a lot of pressure on everyone, so a big thanks to the mechanics, Team manager Dan Brown and my Dad Simon who was out there with us. You guys were the s#%*!

Gee Atherton VS. Sam Hill

Wed, 25 Jun 2008 13:12:36 GMT

Check out this cool side by side video analysis of Gee's and Sam's World championship runs, done by Freecaster.tv

Join the BMX Revolution at Beijingbmx.com

Wed, 25 Jun 2008 10:25:27 GMT

The Olympics are Coming...
So, we got together with BMX Mania to launch a new community for bmx riders, industry and new comers to talk about it, get the latest news and updates, read interviews and connect with the Olympic athletes.
Show Your Support, Join Now >

Mtbcut.tv - Day before World Champs Video:

Fri, 20 Jun 2008 10:34:19 GMT

World Champs DH Seeding Runs Posted:

Thu, 19 Jun 2008 11:38:42 GMT

Elite Women
http://www.uci.ch/UciDoc/MTB/2008/CM...SEEDINGRUN.pdf

Elite Men
http://www.uci.ch/UciDoc/MTB/2008/CM...SEEDINGRUN.pdf

Junior men
http://www.uci.ch/UciDoc/MTB/2008/CM...SEEDINGRUN.pdf

Junior women
http://www.uci.ch/UciDoc/MTB/2008/CM...SEEDINGRUN.pdf

Mtbcut.tv World Championship Day 1 Video:

Tue, 17 Jun 2008 15:27:37 GMT

Atherton Broken at Worlds

Tue, 17 Jun 2008 14:52:49 GMT

Rumor has it that Dan Atherton of the famous Atherton Family, has broken his collarbone in a DH Training crash. Dan has already won a UCI World Cup 4X this year, and was one of the favorites for the World Championships.

Heal up quick Dan!

Loop'd MTB

Minnaar Wins Fort William DH!

Sun, 08 Jun 2008 08:51:37 GMT

After shoulder surgery in the off season, Greg Minnaar has been on a steady pace back to the top. This weekend he's officially back! He takes the win over Steve Peat, Nathan Rennie, and reigning World Champ Sam Hill.

Congrats to Greg, and the Santa Cruz Syndicate Team!

Loop'd MTB

Graves Wins Fort William 4X!

Fri, 06 Jun 2008 12:24:50 GMT

Jared Graves of the Factory YETI / Fox Racing team has just won the 4X at UCI race in Ft. William. This is Jared's 1st MTB race this season, after contesting all of the UCI BMX races. He's also just qualified to be on the Australian Olympic BMX Team!

Congrats to Jared!

Sam Blenkinsop On The Podium At World Cup 2

Tue, 03 Jun 2008 12:46:01 GMT

June 2, 2008

On Sunday Sam Blenkinsop (Yeti/Fox Factory Team) took his first ever step onto the World Cup podium with a classy ride in Round 2 of the Nissan UCI Mountain Bike World Cup in Vallnord, Andorra. Sam became only the 2nd New Zealand male DH rider to do so, following on from Justin Leov who also finished fifth back in 2005 at Angel Fire (USA).

Now team mates, the two kiwis trained well all week on the course but it was clear that the two and half minute track was a little more to "Blinky's" liking. The team used their own timing equipment throughout the week and Sam was showing speed on all sections of the course and recording times that were within range of a win.

Following on from his showing on the World's course in Italy, at the test event last month where Sam qualified fastest and finished 7th, he was widely tipped in the paddock as the next rider to stand on the podium for the first time. Sam was pretty stoked by the whole thing.

"I was way nervous backstage at the podium, getting up on the box for the first time, there was heaps of press. I could get used to this though, I'm really happy to do it for Yeti and Fox in my first year on the team. The track was mean as, and I pretty much enjoyed training on it all the time. The top section of corners was pretty sweet and I got the bottom section dialled later on, so even though I made a mistake in the semi, running wide and hooking up on a tree, I knew what I had to do in the final. I like Fort William too so I'm keen for the next race".

After a unanimous petition from the top riders in the world after the 1st round in Maribor, the UCI returned to the 5 rider podium, and not a 3 rider one.

Sam's podium result also moves him into 9th overall in the World Cup, just 2 points behind his team mate Justin Leov.

Semi Final Results:

1. Gee Atherton (GBR) 2:41.63
2. Sam Hill (AUS) 2:43.31
3. Fabien Barel (FRA) 2:43.44
4. Steve Peat (GBR) 2:43.98
5 Steve Smith (CAN) 2:44.98
7. Sam Blenkinsop (NZL) 2:45.25

Final Results:

1. Gee Atherton (GBR) 2:35.35
2. Sam Hill (AUS) 2:35.66
3. Greg Minnaar (RSA) 2:36.73
4. Steve Peat (GBR) 2:37.49
5. Sam Blenkinsop (NZL) 2:38.71

20th Annual Chile Challenge Descends Upon Angel Fi...

Mon, 19 May 2008 15:00:54 GMT

The 20th Annual Chile Challenge, event #3 in the Mountain States Cup Championship Series is taking on a life of its own. Each year the event brings more and more riders and their support teams to Angel Fire, a testament to the warm welcome that they receive from the resort and community. This year’s race takes on international implications and as an added bonus, will host a national championship event on Angel Fire’s legendary behemoth scary-as-all-get-out mountain-cross course.

Riders from across the globe will compete in two separate mountain-cross events, downhill, cross-country and super-d (a hybrid of cross-country and DH). Not since the visit of the World Cup has Chile taken on such stature in the domestic and international racing scene. The 2008 version has garnered the following accolades: it’s a UCI C2-level DH and 4X, it’s a stop on USA Cycling’s prestigious Gravity and XC Mountain Bike National Calendars, it's a part of the National Mountain Bike Series for Super-D, DH and 4X, it'll serve as National Championships for pros for 4X (getcher UCI points here!) and is an automatic World's Team Qualifier for Juniors and Pros on the gravity side.

Why are all these important? Let’s get to them in order:

UCI status: one of the goals of the MSC is to develop domestic riders so that they can compete internationally in World Cup events. We feel that in order to develop riders that can win at the sport’s highest level, we need those very same riders to compete against the best that the world has to offer. In this case, it means World Cup. The problem is that riders need UCI (Union Cyclist Internationale, our sport’s global governing body) points in order to be eligible. There are only 3 events in the US that offer these points – Chile is one of them. It’ll offer points for both 4X events and the DH.
USAC National Mountain Bike Calendar (MBNC): USA Cycling is our sport’s national governing body. The national calendars that they’ve put together feature the very best events from around the country for both Gravity and Cross-Country riders. Eligibility for this distinction is based upon prize purse, production excellence and quality of venue. Winners of USAC NMBC events earn precious points for towards their national ranking, increased exposure for sponsors and consideration for national and trade teams.
National Mountain Bike Series – the NMBS is mountain biking’s de facto national series. The NMBS designation attracts riders from all over the country who’re chasing points in that series.
4X (mountain-cross) National Championships – the winners of Sunday’s 4X (the second of the weekend) will be awarded the stars and stripes jerseys that designate national champions. They’ll also receive and automatic spot on USAC’s World Championship Team, thus earning the privilege of representing the United States at World Championships in Europe this summer.
Automatic World’s Team Qualifier for Juniors and Pros (DH and MX) – the terrain that our kids and pros will see in Europe is quite a bit more challenging than most of the stuff in the US. Angel Fire’s courses are a notable exception. Based upon the quality of the courses USAC has designated the year’s Chile Challenge as an automatic qualifier for their World’s squad. Winners in the JR Expert and Pro categories in DH and MX get an automatic spot.

There’s a ton of other stuff going on. Toyota FJ will be on-site offering ride-and-drives on an off-road trials course. There’ll be video premiers, live music, autograph sessions with pro riders and even a clunker criterium. Online registration closes at midnight on Wednesday. On-site registration will be open throughout the weekend.

For all the information that you could ever want including camping, tech/expo, a complete UCI points scale, the opening of Chile Pepper bike shop at the base of AFR and just about everything else including a complete schedule of the weekend’s festivities please visit the Chile Challenge page at www.racemsc.com! Media inquiries may be directed to the phone number below. For all the event news head to the homepage of the series. We’ll be blogging from the venue as much as possible. There may even be a little video for you to check out.

See you at the races!

Mike McCormack, Series Director, MTN States Cup

970-333-1159

mikemac@bigfootproduction.com

NEXT UP:

June 5-8, The Teva Mountain Games heat up Vail Mountain

With four different cycling competitions including MTB XC, Road Bike Hill Climb, MTB Freeride and Slopestyle. With a $100,000 cash purse ($30,000 cycling specific) and new XC course designer John Bailey, this event promises to be great action for athletes of all calibers. Check out www.tevamountaingames.com for all the latest competition and concert information including the details on a free concert with Ozomatli. Why are we sending you to Vail in 2008? Like the little elf said in the Polar Express, “Trust us.”

June 20-22, Mountain States Cup #4, The Wildflower Rush, Crested Butte, CO

The 2008 WFR is partnered with the Crested Butte Fat Tire Festival once again. That means it’ll be one of the largest gatherings of bike freaks west of the Atlantic Ocean. Riders will sample some of the best singletrack in the US, plus they’ll get a sneak-peek at what the resort has in store for the gravity folks in 2009.

Peaty 3rd, Minnaar 5th in World Cup Opener - Marib...

Mon, 12 May 2008 11:27:03 GMT

Maribor, Slovenia

The first NISSAN UCI World Cup was met with much anticipation and excitement. Websites were buzzing all week with news from the event and journalists and television crews were all over the beautiful Pohorje Mountain situated on the outskirts of the city of Maribor in Slovenia. The outing for the Syndicate was successful and dismal all in the same day with Steve Peat and Greg Minnaar headlining the highlights as they finished 3rd and 5th respectively while Josh Bryceland suffered a massive get-off at the end of the rock garden while having a screamer of a run.

Here’s how the week went:

The Maribor downhill course is a popular one. Starting on the ski slope, it quickly enters the dark, root filled woods, and is known for it’s long rock garden section, even though some of it is man-made and cemented into place. The course is flowing but fast and pretty rough in places. Race morning Josh Bryceland says, “My practice has gone really good so far. I’m feeling really confident after last weeks race in Italy. I’ve been doing things on the track here and I am really excited about the race today.” Peat says, “Practice has been going good. We’ve made a couple of changes to my bike and it feels way better, I feel solid on the course. My mechanic ‘Rick Bobby’ has been making my bike feel like a new bike each day.”

The Santa Cruz V-10’s were dialed in each run by the ace Syndicate mechanics, Doug Hatfield, Rick Clarkson, Nigel Reeve and Iain Bryceland. Hatfield says, “Each run here we’ve made changes to the bikes. It’s all a progression going forward. Every change to the bikes just leads us up to the start of the race. We’ve adjusted the suspension settings and made brake changes sizing rotors up, and then down, and changing pad compounds. The track has been wicked hard on the brakes at this event.” Clarkson says, “The training speeds have been getting faster and faster each day, so we’ve made all the adjustments accordingly. The bikes are dialed.”

DOWNHILL QUALIFIER:

The qualifier went pretty well for the Syndicate boys with all of them placing in the top ten. Steve “Old School” Peat delivered the goods with a second place finish to Julien Camellini just .16 behind him. Minnaar posted the fastest split time of the morning, then came fourth to Sam Hill’s third place finish, just .15 behind Sam. The competition is fierce with less than a second separating the top four. Peat says, “You’ve got to push in the qualifier, it’s a world cup and you get points for it. My run went pretty good and I pedaled hard, and I made some mistakes. I know where I can take some time off.”
Minnaar said, “My run was steady and smooth on top, but I made two big mistakes at the bottom, but I would rather do it now than later.” Rennie made some mistakes and came 10th. Bryceland was not pleased with his effort but still cracked the top ten ahead of Rennie with a 9th place finish.

DOWNHILL FINAL:

As the downhill unfolded Rennie was the first of the squad to attempt to improve on his qualifier, but couldn’t get past the arm-pump and finished 21st. Bryceland was on the hill at the same time Rennie was finishing and all eyes were on the big screen. With Freecaster broadcasting the race live, much of the world could see Josh pinning it into the rock garden and witnessed his crash which spit him into the air, superman style, pummeling him into the stumps at the bottom. Cedric Gracia describes it saying, “He was 4 meters high, and flew so far, he was going so fast. He slammed into the ground, I can’t believe he didn’t die.” After a few minutes we could see on the big screen Josh walking away from the crash…but his injuries weren’t apparent right away.

Next up was Minnaar looking like he was having a good run, and his efforts gave him a 5th place finish. Normally that would be a podium finish, but UCI has decided to make the podium a 3-person presentation rather than the traditional five, so it was quite a disappointment that he wasn’t on the podium. The decision is not a popular one, and riders and teams are against it. We all want UCI to change back to a five-person podium and will lobby for reinstatement of this.

Peaty’s race run was solid and proves that “Old School” has what it takes to stay on the blocks in this sport. As Bryceland was in the ambulance he asked the driver to wait a moment so that he could watch his mentor race by, and Peat raced to the bottom placing 3rd to Julien Camellini, and race winner, Sam Hill. Peat says, “I’m happy to finish on the podium. I feel really confident on my revamped V-10. I’m not happy to get beat by Julien or Sam. The track got a lot drier and I made some mistakes on the top, then settled into my run and picked up my pace, but it wasn’t enough.”

Minnaar says, “I knew I had a lot more in me after the qualifier, at least a few seconds. I think I tried too hard at the top of the woods and overshot a few corners and didn’t have much flow up top. Exiting the woods I didn’t carry as much speed as I wanted through the middle and at the bottom I tried to make up time. The middle worked well, but the bottom I tried too hard and lost time. I’m happy with my result, but not with my race run.”

In the meantime, Bryceland was met at first aid by his mom, Luisa. On radio contact she reported that it appeared that he was badly bruised, had a chipped tooth and was okay. Yet as they were leaving the tent he became nauseous, and his smashed up helmet was clear evidence of a concussion. He was then taken to the hospital for observation and it was revealed that he suffered a leg injury, which at this time appears to be a quad muscle torn from the bone. He will be flying home to the UK to have surgery to repair the damage.

4X Notes:

The 4X was a funny one, looked more like a bowling alley with racers littering the lanes in nearly every heat. 20th place qualifier, Nathan Rennie, aka: the “Beast”, raced the 4X here and survived the crashes that he got tangled in, and was eliminated in his second heat. Brian Lopes got caught up in the gate in his first round, then his skewer came loose and he was eliminated in the first round. First place qualifier, Dan Atherton had his hopes dashed in his second heat as he was eliminated and American; Ross Milan 4th place qualifier was out in the second round with Nathan. “These guys don’t even know how to corner a bike. It was just carnage everywhere. Two guys crashed in front of me and I had no choice but to hit them. One guy was hurt for sure and the other guy’s bike was mangled,” said Rennie.

Next up for the Syndicate, we are off to Lisbon for the annual Lisbon Downtown Race.

DOWNHILL FINAL RESULTS:

1) SAM HILL (Monster /Iron Horse) 2:47.54
2) JULIEN CAMELLINI (Chain Reaction Cycles/Intense) 2:50.62
3) STEVE PEAT (SANTA CRUZ SYNDICATE) 2:51.85
4) FABIEN BAREL (Subaru) 2:52.11
5) GREG MINNAAR (SANTA CRUZ SYNDICATE) 2:52.19
6) GEE ATHERTON (Animal Commencal) 2:52.34
7) CHRIS KOVARIK (Chain Reaction Cycles/Intense) 2:52.52
8) JUSTIN LEOV (Yeti) 2:52.56
9) BRENDAN FAIRCLOUGH (Monster/Iron Horse) 2:54.23
10) ANDREW NEETHLING (GT/Mongoose) 2:55.49

21) NATHAN RENNIE (SANTA CRUZ SYNDICATE) 2:57.76
DNF: JOSH BRYCELAND (SANTA CRUZ SYNDICATE)

DOWNHILL QUALIFIER RESULTS:

1) JULIEN CAMELLINI (Chain Reaction Cycles/Intense) 2:52.66
2) STEVE PEAT (SANTA CRUZ SYNDICATE) 2:52.82
3) SAM HILL (Monster Iron Horse) 2:53.21
4) GREG MINNAAR (SANTA CRUZ SYNDICATE) 2:53.36
5) FABIEN BAREL (Subaru)
6) FLORENT PAYET (Subaru)
7) MARC BEAUMONT (MBUK/SANTA CRUZ)
8) CHRIS KOVARIK (Chain Reaction Cycles/Intense) 2:55.
9) JOSH BRYCELAND (SANTA CRUZ SYNDICATE) 2:56.76
NATHAN RENNIE (SANTA CRUZ SYNDICATE) 2:57.08

Thanks to the SYNDICATE Sponsors:

Santa Cruz Bicycles
SRAM
RockShox
Truvativ
Avid
Maxxis
DT Swiss
WTB
Crankbrothers
Lizard Skins
Clif Bar
Troy Lee Designs
Chris King

ENDURANCE FILMS RELEASES WORLD'S FIRST XTERRA TRAI...

Fri, 09 May 2008 10:01:20 GMT

Louisville, KY - You might know triathlon….but do you know XTERRA?
Endurance Films and Brian Grasky announce the DVD release of the world’s first completely comprehensive guide to XTERRA training, XTERRA: Off Road Triathlon - Get Dirty.

XTERRA, or off-road triathlon, is the fastest growing new concept in multisport with more than 100 events in 16 countries. Bordering on the extreme, this style of racing takes the conventional framework of a road triathlon and adds the unpredictability of Mother Nature. Xterra replaces the security of the open road with the challenges of undulating dirt, or mud, trails that wind between mountains, over rocks and fallen trees, through creeks and rivers, in some of the toughest conditions on the planet. Yet anyone can do it!

DVD Highlights include:
• 60 minutes of comprehensive off road triathlon training
• Breathtaking footage from elite XTerra races around the world
• Racing procedures to combat altitude, hills, trails, etc
• Nutrition specifics for training and racing off-road
• Gear selection: From bikes and hydration packs to tires and tools
• Bike Maintenance on and off the trail
• Practical training sections in swim, mt bike and trail run with workouts and drills

“The biggest thing keeping people from the sport was a fear and a perception that XTERRA was some kind of 500 pound gorilla…something that was beyond them,” said host Brian Grasky, XTerra Champion and USA Triathlon All-American. “We made this DVD for all athletes, whether triathletes or mountain bikers, beginner or advanced, to understand that there is nothing cosmic about doing an off-road triathlon. With the right knowledge and understanding, it can be a fun, challenging, and rewarding fitness goal that anyone can reach for and attain.”

The DVD currently lists for $29.95 and can be found at www.endurancefilms.com.

----------------------------

Endurance Films, Inc. is a full service digital video production company focusing on the production and worldwide distribution of endurance and extreme sports video entertainment.

For more information visit www.endurancefilms.com or on their Sponsorhouse profile page.

Brian Grasky Coaching is an up and coming presence in the field of endurance sports training based out of Tucson Arizona. More information on him can be found by visiting www.briangrasky.com

KENDA TOMAC - Team Announcement

Mon, 05 May 2008 16:27:07 GMT

Gravity Group marketing agency is pleased to announce their cooperation with global tire
producer – KENDA and bicycle manufacturer – TOMAC as title sponsors of the newly
created KENDA TOMAC Mountain Bike Racing Team.

KENDA TOMAC is an international mountain bike downhill-fourcross team that associate 2
athletes: Filip Polc (Slovakia) and Mitch Delfs (Australia).

KENDA TOMAC is operated by the crew of Peter Siulczynski (Team Manager), Michal
Kozak (Assistant Team Manager) and Jean-Philippe Simard (Team Mechanic), Gary Perkin
(Team Photographer) and John Lawlor (Team Videographer)

Filip Polc, KENDA TOMAC Team Rider:

I’m happy to join the KENDA TOMAC team. New season, new bike and new team mate… I
can say it’s going to be a great year. I am focusing especially on downhill where I want to
step up and show what is in me! So watch out for me, I’m going to be “faster as the shadow of
the others”.

Mitch Delfs, KENDA TOMAC Team Rider:

I am super happy to be on a team that is giving me the opportunity of doing my first full
World Cup season with the great structure needed so I can concentrate on racing and
achieving my goals of making an impact at a World Cup level. Its awesome opportunity to
ride with Filip who has such a good experience at racing, so I am able to learn from him.
Having JP Simard wrenching on my bike again is a bonus too. I am looking forward to hitting
the season hard.

Peter Siulczynski, KENDA TOMAC Team Manager:

We are very pleased to enter into the 2008 Season with a new organized team and excellent
athletes. To have Filip Polc and Mitch Delfs in our squad is a perfect mix. Filip as the leader
of the Team will finally get the attention he deserves. Also young Mitch Delfs can reap profits
from training with a more experienced team mate as well as from having proper organization
to concentrate on racing only.

Jean-Philippe Simard, KENDA TOMAC Team Mechanic:

I am glad to be on a World Cup team this year. I will do my best to help these riders perform
at the very top level without worrying about their bikes & setup. Having great partners such
as Kenda, Tomac, Formula, ControlTech, Mavic, Novatec, Gamut, etc. to work with will just
help us to reach that perfect setup. Working along with Filip Polc who is a determined and
experienced athlete combine to the youngness of Mitch Delfs will definitely make for a killer
season!

KENDA TOMAC Team Schedule 2008:

14 – 25 April Team Camp Cap d’Ail France
1 – 4 May Test Event Val di Sole Italy
8 – 11 May World Cup # 1 Maribor Slovenia
16 – 18 May Lisbon Downtown Lisbona Portugal
23 – 25 May US Open Vernon USA
29 May – 1 June World Cup # 2 Vallnord Andorra
5 – 8 June World Cup # 3 Fort William Scotland
12 – 15 June Wheels of Speed Willingen Germany
16 – 22 June World Championships Val di Sole Italy
10 – 13 July European Championships Caspoggio in Valmalenco Italy
24 – 27 July World Cup # 4 Mont-Sainte-Anne Canada
31 July – 3 August World Cup # 5 Bromont Canada
28 – 31 August World Cup # 6 Canberra Australia
4 – 7 September* Eurobike Show Friedrichshafen Germany
11 – 14 September World Cup # 7 Schladming Austria
22 – 26 September* Interbike Show Las Vegas USA

Thanks to the official KENDA TOMAC Team Partners:

Controltech
Formula
Mavic
Novatec
Crankbrothers
Fizik
Gamut
Odi
Sapim
Giro
Mtbcut.tv

source: Gravity Group

UCI World Cups Live on MTBcut

Tue, 29 Apr 2008 13:13:54 GMT

In what is arguably one of the biggest steps that the sports of Downhill and MTX mountain biking has ever seen MTBcut.tv has announced that they are to screen rounds of the UCI Mountain bike World Cup live on the internet.

Following the huge success of the live online broadcast at last years World Championships from Fort William MTBcut.tv, together with the UCI, decided to continue the progression by developing live streaming of rounds of the 2008 World Cup. The first live event will the coverage of the first Downhill and MTX events on the World Cup Calendar from Maribor, Slovenia on the weekend of the 10th/11th May 2008.

As well as the live race broadcast MTBcut.tv will also have top Downhill Videographer John Lawlor on hand to bring the latest action and breaking news from around the pits at the event.

On the release of the news of the live broadcast Stu Thomson, the rider and videographer behind MTBcut.tv said, “this is surely one of the biggest moves ever for the growth in promotion and success of our sport. Last year’s World Championship coverage proved that there is a massive international enthusiasm for live coverage of our sport and now this move will allow the growth and development of Downhill and 4X to continue.”

For more news of the live times and coverage, and also the latest race and mountain bike lifestyle videos click on to www.mtbcut.tv.

VETTA Product Spotlight:

Tue, 29 Apr 2008 09:13:33 GMT

New Cycling Computers in 2008

RT200 Series & Interchangeable Racing Covers:

Get the winning look with the new RT200 racing covers. Besides the standard functions, the RT200 series allow cyclists to personalize the appearance of the computer with interchangeable covers, as well as , the data it displays on its 3-line LCD screen.

New Lights in 2008

NanoLux &TubePack:

Whether you are riding at night or in the rain, NanoLux's patent pending visibility technology gives you the acuity to ride in any adverse conditions. Experience the inconspicuous battery pack and sleek compact design with the same superior 3-watt illumination. Do you dare to see the world in a different light?

Gleeman Taillight:

If you are riding for a cause, then this is the perfect taillight for you. With 6 different user-defined messages and 10 brightness levels, the Gleeman taillight can let you showcase your cause or let you and your kids have fun with words.

Stick Tool Series STC-13RB:

Weighing only 7oz, the 13-function multi-tool features a ratchet mechanism and 2 operating positions (90° and 180°), making it easier to work in hard-to-reach places. The 2 LEDs built into the removable light cap are made especially for night repairs.

5 Questions with Steve Peat:

Thu, 24 Apr 2008 10:45:56 GMT

1) What's it like having multiple superstars on one team?

Each person on the Syndicate is an individual so it makes it fun at the races, we are all talented guys who want to win and mostly beat each other. I think this is one of things that will drive us to be the best out there and hopefully smoke all the other Teams in the overall.

2) You raced the Sea Otter Classic this year, how did it go?

Sea Otter was good this year, i had a 2 solids results, 2nd in the Dual Slalom and 4th in the DH so it makes me feel OK going into the season. the DH at Sea Otter is not the best track but its a good test of fitness.

3) What is your #1 goal for 2008?

To Win races and Win World champs, and beat the Other Syndicate guys.

4) How long before your baby Jake is on a DH Mountain bike?

Well he is 3 now and has been riding without training wheel since he was 2 and a half so there is a good chance he will get a DH bike one day, not too soon though he needs to ride his CRF 50 first.

5) Who would you like to thank?

Apart from the obvious sponsors i have, i would like to thank all the people that have shared a beer and laugh with me, you guys are the one that keep it fun.........Cheers

View Steve's Profile Here: