Surprise in Sonoma - US MTB Nats wrap-up

By Steve Medcroft

The US National Championships wrapped up last Sunday after more than a hundred Stars and Stripes jerseys were awarded in dozens of race categories.

The cross country track, 7.7 miles of wide-open singletrack, dirt road and - gasp - pavement, offered only 100 meters of tree-lined shade from wind and sun per lap. Some racers openly criticized the course but you can't fault the promoters; Infineon Raceway was never meant to be the site of a national championship, only a stop on the NORBA circuit. But record snowfalls in winter left the Mammoth Mountain, California ski resort (the originally scheduled venue) with a twenty-foot snow base as late as April and USA Cycling scrambling to relocate the event.

So, given all the facts, the weekend was a success despite its shortcomings - Infineon proved that they are well equipped to host elite-level mountian-bike competitions and the crowds that come with them. And despite the grumbling from competitors, the results of these dusty, wide open and distinctly un-mountain-bike-like terrains was aggressive and interesting racing and surprising results in a number of races; mountain-crosser Tara Llanes took the women's downhill, Barry Wicks won his first-ever NORBA-level race by taking the men's short rack, Sue Haywood taking two championships (super D and short track) after failing to reach the upper steps of the podium in any NORBA's so far this season.

Trebon made what appeared to be a suicidal attempt to get free in the men's race. A strong chase group including JHK, Jeremiah Bishop (Trek/VW), Todd Wells (Hyundai/GT) and Barry Wicks (Trebon's teammate on the Kona/Les Gets team) worked for four hot laps to pull the six-foot five-inch cyclo-crosser back. But after two hours, Trebon was still in front. He crossed the line with an almost relieved look on his face to earn his first elite cross-country jersey.

Strong solo tempo riding proved the key strategy in the women's race as well. The field splintered into a string of individual riders within fifteen minutes of the start. Heather Irmiger (Subaru/Gary Fisher) pulled into a solo lead until Gould bridged entering the final lap. In only in her third professional mountain-bike season, Gould gapped Irmiger for her first major victory. Her best placing before Friday? Fifth in Deer Valley July 8