Mountain Bike | UltraRob's Adventures

Pro XCT CTS International Classic Circuit

July 11th, 2010

Another great day of mountain bike racing at Cheyenne Mountain State Park for the Pro XCT finals. Originally they were calling today’s race for the Pros and short track but changed to calling it a circuit race because the course was too long to be a true short track.

In the Pro women’s race, Georgia Gould, Katie Compton and Willow Koerber opened an early lead. Gould ended up winning and sweeping the 3 days. Compton came in 2nd followed by Willow Koerber. They were also the top 3 in that order for the CTS International Classic overall.

In the Pro men’s race, a group formed with Todd Wells, Jeremy Horgan-Kobelski, Geoff Kabush and Ryan Trebon. Trebon kept trying to open a gap but couldn’t and fell back. Wells took the win followed by Horgan-Kobelski and Kabush. Overall for the CTS International Classic it was 1. Jeremy Horgan-Kobelski, 2. Geoff Kabush and 3. Todd Wells.

Scroll past the results if you’re looking for photos.

Pro Women CTS International Classic Circuit Top 10

1. Georgia Gould
2. Katie Compton
3. Willow Koerber
4. Pua Sawicki
5. Chloe Forsman
6. Mary McConneloug
7. Heather Irmiger
8. Amy Dombroski
9. Allison Mann
10. Krista Park

Pro Men CTS International Classic Circuit Top 10

1. Todd Wells
2. Jeremy Horgan-Kobelski
3. Geoff Kabush
4. Ryan Trebon
5. Sam Schultz
6. Troy Wells
7. Russell Finsterwald
8. Michael Broderick
9. Brady Kappius
10. Kalan Beisel

Pro Women CTS International Classic Overall Top 10

1. Georgia Gould
2. Katie Compton
3. Willow Koerber
4. Mary McConneloug
5. Heather Irmiger
6. Pua Sawicki
7. Chloe Forsman
8. Amy Dombroski
9. Krista Park
10. Jennifer Smith

Pro Men CTS International Classic Overall Top 10

1. Jeremy Horgan-Kobelski
2. Geoff Kabush
3. Todd Wells
4. Sam Schultz
5. Ryan Trebon
6. Troy Wells
7. Russel Finsterwald
8. Michael Broderick
9. Spencer Paxson
10. Bryan Alders

Pro Women Pro XCT Series Top 3

1. Georgia Gould
2. Willow Koerber
3. Heather Irmiger

Pro Men Pro XCT Series Top 3

1. Todd Wells
2. Geoff Kabush
3. Jeremy Horgan-Kobelski

[View with PicLens]

– UltraRob

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Salomon X Alp Pro GTX Hiking Boots

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Tags: Cheyenne Mountain State Park, Colorado Springs, mountain biking, Pro XCT, Sand Creek Sports
Posted in Bike, Mountain Bike | No Comments »

CTS International Classic Cross Country

July 11th, 2010

Yesterday was the cross country race of the CTS International Classic. I missed the amateurs and Pro women because I was off doing my own 5.5 hour mountain bike ride. I did go watch the Pro Men race although I didn’t have the energy to go out much on the course like I normally do.

Jeremy Horgan-Kobelski took the lead on the first lap although he said he took it a bit cautious on the descent because he hadn’t pre-ridden the course. At the end of the lap 1 descent Geoff Kabush was just behind him with Todd Wells about 18 seconds back.

Horgan-Kobelski was able to open a slightly bigger gap over the next few laps but then Kabush and Wells were able to catch him at the start of the fifth and final lap. On the climb he was able to get a gap on Wells but Kabush hung on his wheel. Kabush took a corner a little too tight and ended up smacking his head on a tree. He was dazed for a bit and let a gap open up.

At the line it was Horgan-Kobelski followed about 20 seconds later by Kabush. Wells was only a couple more seconds back. Sam Schultz came in over 5 minutes later for 4th. The top 3 on GC are Horgan-Kobelski, Kabush and Wells.

Max Plaxton, Friday’s time trial winner, took a header on I believe the 3rd lap. When he got down to the start/finish area he was incoherent. He was pulled from the race and given a time in last place. Since they gave him a time he can still race today if the medics clear him.

In the women’s race, Georgia Gould had another dominant win. She also leads the GC after also winning the time trial Friday night.

Today the racing continues with the amateurs racing another cross country course and the Pros racing a short track. Pro women start at 3 PM and Pro men start at 4 PM.

Pro Men Cross Country Top 10

1. Jeremy Horgan-Kobelski
2. Geoff Kabush
3. Todd Wells
4. Sam Schultz
5. Ryan Trebon
6. Troy Wells
7. Russell Finsterwald
8. Michael Broderick
9. Ben Sonntag
10. Spencer Paxson

Pro Women Cross Country Top 10

1. Georgia Gould
2. Willow Koerber
3. Katie Compton
4. Mary McConneloug
5. Heather Irmiger
6. Pua Sawicki
7. Chloe Forsman
8. Krista Park
9. Amy Dombroski
10 Jennifer Smith

Complete Pro cross country results are here and amateur results are here.

Below are photos from the racing. Thanks to AboutTheShot for some of them. I always have some more CTS International Classic cross country photos and in higher resolution.

[View with PicLens]

– UltraRob

Related Links

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Price: $219.95

Salomon X Alp Pro GTX Hiking Boots

Regular Price: $280.00
$209.95 on sale

Asolo TPS 520 GV Evo Hiking Boots

Price: $268.44

Tags: Cheyenne Mountain State Park, Colorado Springs, mountain biking, Pro XCT, Sand Creek Sports
Posted in Bike, Mountain Bike | 1 Comment »

CTS International Classic Time Trial

July 9th, 2010

Tonight a 4.4 mile time trial kicked off the 3 day CTS International Classic at Cheyenne Mountain State Park. It’s the Pro XTC Series final and the series winner will earn a spot at World Championships. It also has nearly half the UCI ranking points that will help determine the Olympic team in 2012.

Although a little rain fell as women were starting, it didn’t last long and the course didn’t get too wet. Part of the course used the technical Medicine Wheel trail so racers had plenty of challenge without rain.

Max Plaxton won the men’s race. Series leader Todd Wells had bad luck and flatted and couldn’t get his tire to seal. He finished 39th and lost just over 3 minutes to Plaxton. Fortunately for him there are 2 long days of racing left and he only needs to finish 8th overall to win the series.

Georgia Gould won the women’s race. She has a large lead in the series and looks like she’s on form. Of course some bad luck can quickly change things.

Top Pro Men Results

1. Max Plaxton, 17:11
2. Geoff Kabush, 17:20
3. J. Horgan-Kobelski, 17:21
4. Sam Schultz 17:40
5. Russell Finsterwald, 18:04
6. Benjamin Sonntag, 18:08
7. Ryan Trebon, 18:19
8. Brady Kappius, 18:20
9. Troy Wells, 18:26
10. Colin Cares, 18:29

Top Pro Women Results

1. Georgia Gould, 19:14
2. Katie Compton, 19:59
3. Heather Irmiger, 20:19
4. Chloe Forsman, 20:21
5. Mary McConnelough, 20:23
6. Krista Park, 20:31
7. Allison Mann, 20:53
8. Amy Dombroski, 20:54
9. Pua Sawicki, 20:55
10. Amanda Carey, 21:00

Complete Pro Men and Women results are on Pikes Peak Sports. They also have results for the Cat 1 amateur racers and Cat 2/3/Singlespeed.

Below are a few shots from the race. I also have more CTS International Classic Time Trial photos and in higher resolution.

[View with PicLens]

– UltraRob

Related Links

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Price: $219.95

Salomon X Alp Pro GTX Hiking Boots

Regular Price: $280.00
$209.95 on sale

Asolo TPS 520 GV Evo Hiking Boots

Price: $268.44

Tags: Cheyenne Mountain State Park, Colorado Springs, mountain biking, Sand Creek Sports
Posted in Bike, Mountain Bike | 3 Comments »

PRO XCT Mountain Bike Final This Weekend

July 8th, 2010

The USA Cycling PRO XCT series makes its final stop this weekend, July 9-11, in Colorado Springs at the Carmichael Training Systems International Classic presented by GT Bicycles. There will be 3 days of racing at Cheyenne Mountain State Park.

This year’s race is not only the PRO XCT final but it’s also part of the Alison Dunlap Junior MTB Series as well. Both Pros and Amateurs will race the 3 day stage race starting with a 4.4 mile time trial on Friday evening which includes the locally infamous Medicine Wheel trail which will certainly favor the most technically adept riders.

The racing continues on Saturday with the 4.9 mile short cross country course. It includes the challenging Cougars Shadow trail that surprised quite a few Pro riders last year with it’s twisting single track laced with boulders sometimes the size of small cars.

Finishing up on Sunday the Amateur riders will race the 8.5 mile long cross country course and the Pros finish on the 1.4 mile short track making for three exciting days of race action just minutes away from downtown Colorado Springs.

The Kids on Bikes kiddies race encompasses sections of the Pros short track course and should be a great time for the events youngest riders.

In the Pro men’s race, the top five riders currently leading the PRO XCT will be racing. At the end of the weekend the men’s series will most likely crown Todd Wells (Specialized) as long as he finishes better than eighth as his lead seems nearly insurmountable. Second through fifth is more complicated and should be great racing with Geoff Kabush (Maxxis/Rocky Mtn), Max Plaxton (Specialized/Sho-Air), Jeremy Horgan-Kobelski (Subaru/Trek) and Sam Schultz (Subaru/Trek) all within striking distance of second place. This battle will definitely be the highlight of the PRO XCT finale.

On the Pro women’s side of things for the PRO XCT series it looks like Georgia Gould (LUNA Chix) and Willow Koerber (Subaru/Trek) have virtual locks on first and second place respectively as long as they can finish inside the top ten. Third place will most likely go to Heather Irmiger (Subaru/Trek) as Lene Byberg (Specialized) is racing in Europe and Kelli Emmett (Giant) will probably slip to fourth, as she isn’t competing due to sponsor commitments. Fifth place is where the action is for the women with Amy Dombroski (LUNA Chix) and Aleksandra Mooradian (K.Bedford/Verge/Spin) most likely battling for that spot as 12 points separate them. However, if Pau Sawicki (MATA) decides to make the trip to Colorado Springs then there could be a three-way battle for fifth place. Katie Compton (Planet Bike) with a great ride could rocket up the leaders board and possible contend for fifth place as well. It will be an exciting three days of racing.

Nearly half of the UCI points awarded in the US this year will be from these 3 days of racing. UCI points are used for qualifying for the Olympics. Also the Pro XCT series Men and Women winners get an automatic 2010 World Championship spot.

It’s not just for racers though. The start and finish for all races winds through the Bicycle Expo and Pro Team parking areas. It allows spectators to keep an eye on the exciting racing action while they’re checking out the latest bicycle equipment and Pro set ups. The racing will be fueled by a guaranteed $10,000 Pro cash prize purse. Anchoring the Expo are GT Bicycles, Kenda Tire and Specialized Bicycles and there will be on food concessions on site as well.

Schedule

July 8 Number pick up at Carmichael Training Systems Hwy
24 & 21st St from 5-9 PM
July 9 Stage 1: Encantadas Time Trial using the very technical Medicine Wheel trail
July 10 Stage 2: Cross Country for everyone (same course as in 2009)
July 11 Stage 3: Amateur Cross Country (different course than July 10 but using the same S/F line). Pro Men and Pro WomenShort Track Cross Country per UCI MTB Criterium rules.

Race details are located here.

Volunteers Needed

The race could use more volunteers for course marshaling. Email Allen Beauchamp or call him at 719-351-3205 if you can help out on either of the 3 days.

Long time fast mountain bike racer, Jurgen Bergeron is in charge of directing traffic going in and out of the race area. Part of the road is used for the course so there’s only one lane for traffic. This would be a great volunteer position for people that like to talk to people coming and going. Give him a call at 321-8590 if you want to help with that.

– UltraRob
Related Links

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Price: $219.95

Salomon X Alp Pro GTX Hiking Boots

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Asolo TPS 520 GV Evo Hiking Boots

Price: $268.44

Tags: Carmichael Training Systems, Cheyenne Mountain State Park, Colorado Springs, mountain biking, Sand Creek Sports
Posted in Bike, Mountain Bike | No Comments »

Top Level Mountain Bike Racing Returns to Colorado Springs

July 2nd, 2010

Next weekend is one of the biggest Pro mountain bike races in the US and it’s here in Colorado Springs. This year it’s a 3 day stage race and is the USA Cycling Pro XCT final. This year all 3 races will take place at Cheyenne Mountain State Park.

Schedule

July 8 Number pick up at Carmichael Training Systems Hwy
24 & 21st St from 5-9 PM
July 9 Stage 1: Encantadas Time Trial using the very technical Medicine Wheel trail
July 10 Stage 2: Cross Country for everyone (same course as in 2009)
July 11 Stage 3: Amateur Cross Country (different course than July 10 but using the same S/F line). Pro Men and Pro WomenShort Track Cross Country per UCI MTB Criterium rules.

Race details are located here.

Volunteers Needed

Andy Bohlman from Sand Creek Creek Sports told me today that he really needs more volunteers for course marshaling. Email Allen Beauchamp or call him at 719-351-3205 if you can help out on either of the 3 days.

– UltraRob

Related Links

Salomon X Alp Mid LTR GTX Hiking Boots

Price: $219.95

Salomon X Alp Pro GTX Hiking Boots

Regular Price: $280.00
$209.95 on sale

Asolo TPS 520 GV Evo Hiking Boots

Price: $268.44

Tags: Colorado Springs, mountain biking, Sand Creek Sports
Posted in Bike, Mountain Bike | No Comments »

Ascent Cycling Mountain Bike Series Final

June 20th, 2010

Photo Courtesy of About the Shot

Yesterday was the final race of the Ascent Cycling Series but on by Sand Creek Sports. I stopped by for a bit when the kids were doing the fun ride put on by Kids on Bikes and stayed for the first few laps of the Pro and Cat 1 race. It was hot, sunny day.

I shot a few photos with my point and shoot camera since I was headed out on a longer mountain bike ride. Russ and Ralph from About the Shot were there taking great photos as usual. The great shot above is from them. They should have photos online for purchase soon.

Pikes Peak Sports has results and more photos.

Although the Ascent Cycling Series is finished, there is still plenty of racing put on my Sand Creek Sports left.

[View with PicLens]

– UltraRob

Salomon X Alp Mid LTR GTX Hiking Boots

Price: $219.95

Salomon X Alp Pro GTX Hiking Boots

Regular Price: $280.00
$209.95 on sale

Asolo TPS 520 GV Evo Hiking Boots

Price: $268.44

Tags: Bear Creek Park, Bike, Colorado Springs, mountain biking, Sand Creek Sports
Posted in Bike, Mountain Bike | No Comments »

Who Needs Disneyworld?

June 14th, 2010

The headline: New Mountain Bike Park in the Works.

The location: Surprisingly, Orlando, Fla.

The Orlando Sentinal reports that a mountain bike park with off-road trails, thick woods and man-made rolling hills will open on 17.6 acres not far from downtown Orlando and Fashion Square Mall.

The park is being built with private money and sweat equity, boosted by a $50,000 grant from the Winter Park Health Foundation.

The trails will be built by mountain bikers. Local members of the Ocala Mountain Bike Association are forming a chapter to maintain the park once it is built.

The park is being built on land that was part of the Orlando Naval Training Center. Once the park is opened, it will give mountain bikers a much-needed place in an area with very little off-road riding.

– Deb Acord

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Salomon X Alp Pro GTX Hiking Boots

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Tags: Florida, Mountain Bike
Posted in Bike, Mountain Bike | No Comments »

Colorado’s First Womens Only Mountain Bike Race.

June 11th, 2010

This Saturday, June 12th, the Yeti Beti Bash will be the first womens only mountain bike race to be held in Colorado. It is being held in Bear Creek Lake Park in Lakewood Colorado.

The race course is a 4 mile loop with ~300 feet of elevation gain per lap featuring rolling, non-technical terrain at Bear Creek Lake Park. It’s mostly singletrack riding with 4 short punchy climbs. There are views of Red Rocks and the surrounding park.

Under 14 will do 1 lap (4 miles), category 3 beginners will do 2 laps (8 miles), the category 2 sport racers will race 3 laps (12 miles), and the elite/category 1 racers doing five laps (20 miles). Don’t want to do it alone? There’s also a 3 person relay where each lady rides one lap.

In the afternoon, there will be a kids race. It doesn’t say whether it’s limited to girls or if boys can ride too.

The last I saw, they have 147 women racers registered. It’s too late for online registration but you can show up and register the day of the race.

– UltraRob

Salomon X Alp Mid LTR GTX Hiking Boots

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Salomon X Alp Pro GTX Hiking Boots

Regular Price: $280.00
$209.95 on sale

Asolo TPS 520 GV Evo Hiking Boots

Price: $268.44

Tags: Colorado, Mountain Bike, Yeti Beti
Posted in Bike, Mountain Bike | 1 Comment »

24 Hours of eROCK Photos

June 6th, 2010

Here are a few of the photos I took yesterday at the 24 Hours of eROCK. If you want more to see more, check out my complete 24 hours or eROCK photo album. If you’re looking for results, they’re on this post.

[View with PicLens]

– UltraRob

Salomon X Alp Mid LTR GTX Hiking Boots

Price: $219.95

Salomon X Alp Pro GTX Hiking Boots

Regular Price: $280.00
$209.95 on sale

Asolo TPS 520 GV Evo Hiking Boots

Price: $268.44

Tags: Colorado, endurance racing, mountain biking
Posted in Bike, Mountain Bike | No Comments »

24 Hours of eROCK 2010

June 6th, 2010

Yesterday I rode up to the 24 Hours of eROCK and caught the last hour and a half of racing. It was a hot day for racing. Some of the past 24 Hours of eROCK, it got chilly during the night but riders told me it stayed fairly warm during the night.

For the first time, the course was run clockwise instead of counter-clockwise. A couple racers I talked to that have done it in the past thought that it made the course faster. Looking at the results, over half the class winners had more laps than last year so running in reverse is possibly faster.

I have several photos from late in the 24 Hours of eROCK in my photos section.

Here are the top results