One final test before the racers are allowed to rest, team Kona confirms with one final win – Rafter Six Ranch: Canmore, 46km, 1350m climbing/ 1350m descending
The final stage of the 2010 TR3 took riders from the civilized surroundings of Elkford, BC deep into the wilds of the Canadian Rockies and represented the last chance for the closely bunched top riders in the Open Men’s Division to move up in their divisions and grab more of the UCI points and Cash on offer.
Having split the first two stages, Max Plaxton (Shoair/Specialized) and Cory Wallace (KONA) were battling with Adam Craig for the overall title with everything to ride for on Stage 3. The race had three distinct stages, a long rolling approach climb followed by a sheer 1000-plus metre grind up to the day’s high point at the crossing of the Great Divide and finally a raw, steep and technical 15km descent to the finish line.
Kona Surges Back to top during Stormy Day in the Rockies – Anchor D Ranch: Little Elbow Camp, 54km, 1500m climbing/1300m descending
After a day of riding over and through the foothills of the Rockies to the west of Calgary, riders headed back into the heart of the mountains on Stage 5. In doing so, they left the mud and meadows of the cattle ranch lands behind entered the high peaks and spectacular valleys of Kananaskis Country.
The 54km route starting at Anchor D Ranch included no major passes or high-altitude rides but a relentless up and down profile and endless singletrack added up to another gruelling day in the Rockies for the over 200 riders still moving toward the finish line in the TransRockies.
Hi Guys,
Coming to you from Canmore Alberta and the 24 Nationals last weekend. Race went super well. Went out cross country style and put the hurt on the boys for the first 6hrs then set it into cruise control. Leighton Poidevin who has won alot of these was hot on my heels in second place for the first 8hrs but fell ill in the middle of the night leaving a big gap between myself and the other riders once he dropped out. Read More→
A rough, hot, dusty course outside of Granby, Colorado on Saturday set the stage for the 2010 U.S. National Mountain Bike Championships, with 47 pro men throwing their names in the hat for the cross-country title.
Todd Wells takes the win in front of JFK for first and second. Missing most of the action both in front and behind him, Trebon rode a strong, steady and uncontested pace for third place from start to finish.
“I really wanted to push a little harder, but there wasn’t a single place to rest on this course, so I felt like if I did so, I’d explode,” Trebon said. “Sometimes kicking it up just 2 percent takes another 20 percent effort, which I didn’t have today.”
US Pro XCT #5: Sand Creek International Classic, Colorado Springs, United States, 3 July 9-11 2010
Ryan battled it out with some of the best this weekend getting 5th in the XC and 4th in the short track.
In the short track…
Ryan Trebon (Kona), always aggressive in these types of races, finished fourth as Sam Schultz (Subaru-Gary Fisher) rode the first few laps with the leaders but could not hold their pace and eventually took the last spot on the podium.
After seven grueling days, the final stage of the BC Bike Race rolled into the singletrack Shangri La of Whistler, BC and Kona Was on the podium for the majority of the the Epic stages. Barry Wicks and Kris Sneddon took the overall in the men’s team category. Husband and wife duo Wendy Simms and Norm Thibault took third in the mixed category. While Cory Wallace also placed third in the men’s solo category. Congratulations Team Kona on a fine showing.
A little rundown the final stage….
From the start at the base of Blackcomb straight up with everyone riding fairly tight, out of nowhere Cory Wallace kicks it into overdrive and drops the entire field before disappearing in to the singletrack. A power move that helped him secure third spot overall from Colin Kerr. Wendy and her husband Norm had a rough first stage but fought their way hard to finish third with a 4 hour lead on fourth place. Click READ MORE for full race results and photos.
Stage Four: Sunshine Coast’s Ripping Ridge Ride
Jason Sager (Jamis) is making a contest out of the BC Bike Race, finishing stage four less than five second behind Chris Sheppard (Rocky Mountain) in the Solo Men’s category.
Kris Sneddon and Barry Wicks (Kona Bikes) continue pulling away from the pack.
Sheppard won Wednesday’s stage four in 3:11:12, with Sager crossing the line at 3:14:35. Sheppard leads the overall Solo at 11:43:19, with Sager 11 minutes 42 seconds behind in second. Colin Kerr is in third about 30 minutes off the lead.
Kerr, however, is in a battle for his podium spot with fourth-place Ben Thompson, who is 6 minutes 43 seconds back with three stages yet to come.
Meanwhile, in the women’s Team of 2 category, Alana Heise and Kate Aardal have taken over first place from Brandi Heistermen and Cathy Zeglinski.
This just in….Barry & Kris have been ruling the singletrack Mecca known as the Lower Mainland of British Columbia. 400+ kms of trail with two days down along with a time trial for day one. Kona is sitting pretty. Wins for both Day One and Day Two. Check back here for the official release and more photos when we get them.
