Just got word from Mike Sabin over at Duro Tire that they have officialy signed 2 top American riders, Geritt Beytagh & Kathy Priutt, for the 2009 season!
"We're extremely excited to have Geritt & Kathy on Duro Tire this season," said Sabin. "They will be instrumental in the development & promotion of our MTB tire line!"
Kathy Pruitt has already proven that the Duro Tires kick ass by placing 2nd this past weekend in Fontana against a competitive field
Expect to see both riders tearing up race tracks across the nation!
For more information, check out www.durotire.com
Tuesday, March 31, 2009
Sunday, March 22, 2009
USA WORLDS SELECTION INFO!
Here's the main info for any elite or jr gravity racer looking to qualify for the '09 World Champs in Australia.
Full info here
Elite Downhill (male and female)
Eligible Participants: USAC International License Holders; Age 19 and over
Maximum Start Positions: 7
Athletes may receive automatic nominations to the team based on the following prioritized criteria:
1. Any athlete placing in the top three (3) at the 2008 World Championships in the same event and category. In order to maintain their position on the Team, the eligible athlete(s) must continue to demonstrate the ability to finish in the top 3 at the World Championships during the current racing season. This evaluation will be based on results from major international competition and current ranking on the appropriate UCI Individual Classification.
2. Any U.S. rider finishing in the top five (5) in a 2009 UCI Downhill World Cup race by August 3rd, 2009. Events include World Cup DH #1 thru #7. Up to three (3) athletes will be selected from this criterion. If more than three (3) athletes meet this criterion, only the three (3) athletes with the highest World Cup placing as of August 3rd, 2009 will be nominated. In the event of a tie, the automatic selection(s) will be filled, in order of priority, by the rider(s) with the highest Overall World Cup ranking as of August 4th, 2009.
3. Any male U.S. riders ranked in the top fifteen (15) in the 2009 UCI Elite Men Downhill World Cup rankings, as of August 4th, 2009. The positions will be filled, in order of priority, based on the UCI rankings (highest to lowest) until all qualified riders have been nominated or there are no more start positions available.
4. Any female U.S. riders ranked in the top eight (8) in the 2009 UCI Elite Women Downhill World Cup rankings, as of August 4th, 2009. The positions will be filled, in order of priority, based on the UCI rankings (highest to lowest) until all qualified riders have been nominated or there are no more start positions available.
5. The winner of the 2009 Elite National Mountain Bike Downhill Championships. This event is currently scheduled for July 16th-19th, 2009 in Sol Vista, Colorado.
Note-funded position(s) will be filled in order of selection criterion priority. After the final funded position is filled, all other riders who qualify automatically will NOT be funded.
Junior Downhill (male and female)
Eligible Participants: USAC International License Holders; Age 17 and 18
Maximum Start Positions: 7
Athletes may receive automatic nominations to the team based on the following prioritized criteria:
1. Any athlete placing in the top three (3) at the 2008 World Championships in the same event and category. In order to maintain their position on the Team, the eligible athlete(s) must continue to demonstrate the ability to finish in the top 3 at the World Championships during the current racing season. This evaluation will be based on results from major international competition and current ranking on the appropriate UCI Individual Classification.
2. Any U.S. Junior rider finishing in the top fifteen (15) in a 2009 Elite UCI Downhill World Cup race by August 3rd, 2009. Events include World Cup DH #1 thru #7. Up to three (3) athletes will be selected from this criterion. If more than three (3) athletes meet this criterion, the three (3) athletes with the highest World Cup placing as of August 3rd, 2009 will be nominated. In the event of a tie, the automatic selection(s) will be filled, in order of priority, by the rider(s) with the highest Overall World Cup ranking as of August 4th, 2009.
3. The winner of the 2009 Junior Cat.1 17-18 National Mountain Bike Downhill Championships. This event is currently scheduled for July 16th-19th, 2009 in Sol Vista, Colorado.
4. The winner of the Massanutten Yee-Ha! Junior Men Cat. 1 Downhill race scheduled for May 9th, 2009 in McGaheysville, Virginia OR the winner of the Fluidride Cup Junior Men Cat. 1 Downhill race scheduled for May 2-3rd, 2009 in Port Angeles, Washington. Of these two (2) race winners, the automatic spot will be granted to the one (1) rider with the higher finish at the Junior Cat. 1 National Mountain Bike Downhill Championships IF that rider finishes in the top three (3) in this race. This event is currently scheduled for July 16th-19th, 2009 in Sol Vista, Colorado.
Note-funded position(s) will be filled in order of selection criterion priority. After the final funded position is filled, all other riders who qualify automatically will NOT be funded.
Elite Mountain Cross
Eligible Participants: USAC International License Holders; Age 17 and over
Maximum Start Positions: 7
Athletes may receive automatic nominations to the team based on the following prioritized criteria:
1. Any athlete placing in the top three (3) at the 2008 World Championships in the same event and category. In order to maintain their position on the Team, the eligible athlete(s) must continue to demonstrate the ability to finish in the top 3 at the World Championships during the current racing season. This evaluation will be based on results from major international competition and current ranking on the appropriate UCI Individual Classification.
2. Any U.S. rider finishing in the top four (4) in a 2009 UCI World Cup Mountain Cross event by August 3rd, 2009. Events include World Cup 4X #1 thru #7. If more than one athlete finishes in the top four (4), the two (2) athletes with the highest Overall World Cup ranking by August 4th, 2009 will automatically qualify for the World Championship Team.
3. The winner of the 2009 Elite National Mountain Bike 4X Championships. This event is currently scheduled for July 16th-19th, 2009 in Sol Vista, Colorado.
4. The highest ranked U.S. riders from the 2009 UCI World Cup 4X Mountain Cross rankings, as of August 4th, 2009, only if they are ranked in the top ten (10) of the 2009 UCI 4X Individual World Rankings by August 4th, 2009.
FINANCIAL RESPONSIBILITY
USAC will be assuming financial responsibility for riders in the teams listed, IF THE RIDERS MEET THE AUTOMATIC QUALIFICATION STANDARDS BELOW (see exceptions with Junior * & Elite DH**). USAC is limited in the number of riders we will fund, indicated by the maximum number in parentheses. USAC may also fund those athletes who are chosen via coaches’ discretionary selection. Information regarding USAC discretionary selection procedures can be found in the “General Team Selection Information” document on the USAC website. All riders should review this document as well as “USAC Process for selecting riders to protected events”. Both of these documents outline responsibilities and requirements for team selection. Please note that USAC may NOT fill the teams to the maximum number of riders if it deems petitioning riders are not medal capable or future medal capable.
1. Men X Country Elite (Maximum of 3)
2. Women X Country Elite (Maximum of 3)
3. U23 Men X Country Elite (Maximum of 1)
4. U23 Women X Country Elite (Maximum of 1)
5. *Junior Men X Country (Maximum of 2)
6. *Junior Women X Country (Maximum of 1)
7. *Junior Men Downhill (Maximum of 2)
8. *Junior Women Downhill (Maximum of 1)
9. **Elite Men Downhill (Maximum of 1)
10. **Elite Women Downhill (Maximum of 1)
11. Elite Men Mountain Cross (Not Funded; 0)
12. Elite Women Mountain Cross (Not Funded: 0)
*Note: A maximum of two (2) Junior Men athletes and one (1) Junior Women athlete in both XC and Downhill will be fully funded upon arrival to Canberra, Australia. These riders will be responsible for all travel to and from Canberra, Australia but will not be required to pay the Team Service Fee. These riders must meet the criteria for automatic selection and will be chosen in the prioritized order outlined in the Junior Downhill automatic selection portion of this document.
**Note: A maximum of one (1) Elite Men and Women Downhill athletes will be fully funded upon arrival to Canberra, Australia. These riders will be responsible for all travel to and from Canberra, Australia but will not be required to pay the Team Service Fee. These riders must meet criteria #1, #2, #3 or #4 for automatic selection outlined in the Elite Downhill automatic selection portion of this document. Riders who only meet criteria #5 will not be considered for this funding.
Podium Compensation- Any athlete that achieves a top three (3) finish at the 2009 MTB World Championships in the event in which they were selected will be refunded the Team Service Fee (if applicable) as well as a fare market value of their economy class round trip airfare ticket to Canberra, Australia (all excess baggage costs are the responsibility of the rider).
Team Service Fee- All team riders who are selected to the team but not funded that wish to use the USAC provided services will be required to pay a Team Service Fee of $1,800.00. This fee will cover lodging, food, ground transport in Canberra, Australia, race support and competition clothing for between 6 and 8 days depending on competition date. Any team riders not wishing to use the USAC provided services will be responsible for all costs and support of their trip including a fee for competition clothing.
IMPORTANT DATES AND DEADLINES
1. World Mountain Bike Championship Team Deadlines
1.1. Deadline for submission of petitions: July 21, 2009
1.2. Announcement of Team: August 13, 2009
1.3. Confirmation of intent to participate August 14, 2009
Full info here
Elite Downhill (male and female)
Eligible Participants: USAC International License Holders; Age 19 and over
Maximum Start Positions: 7
Athletes may receive automatic nominations to the team based on the following prioritized criteria:
1. Any athlete placing in the top three (3) at the 2008 World Championships in the same event and category. In order to maintain their position on the Team, the eligible athlete(s) must continue to demonstrate the ability to finish in the top 3 at the World Championships during the current racing season. This evaluation will be based on results from major international competition and current ranking on the appropriate UCI Individual Classification.
2. Any U.S. rider finishing in the top five (5) in a 2009 UCI Downhill World Cup race by August 3rd, 2009. Events include World Cup DH #1 thru #7. Up to three (3) athletes will be selected from this criterion. If more than three (3) athletes meet this criterion, only the three (3) athletes with the highest World Cup placing as of August 3rd, 2009 will be nominated. In the event of a tie, the automatic selection(s) will be filled, in order of priority, by the rider(s) with the highest Overall World Cup ranking as of August 4th, 2009.
3. Any male U.S. riders ranked in the top fifteen (15) in the 2009 UCI Elite Men Downhill World Cup rankings, as of August 4th, 2009. The positions will be filled, in order of priority, based on the UCI rankings (highest to lowest) until all qualified riders have been nominated or there are no more start positions available.
4. Any female U.S. riders ranked in the top eight (8) in the 2009 UCI Elite Women Downhill World Cup rankings, as of August 4th, 2009. The positions will be filled, in order of priority, based on the UCI rankings (highest to lowest) until all qualified riders have been nominated or there are no more start positions available.
5. The winner of the 2009 Elite National Mountain Bike Downhill Championships. This event is currently scheduled for July 16th-19th, 2009 in Sol Vista, Colorado.
Note-funded position(s) will be filled in order of selection criterion priority. After the final funded position is filled, all other riders who qualify automatically will NOT be funded.
Junior Downhill (male and female)
Eligible Participants: USAC International License Holders; Age 17 and 18
Maximum Start Positions: 7
Athletes may receive automatic nominations to the team based on the following prioritized criteria:
1. Any athlete placing in the top three (3) at the 2008 World Championships in the same event and category. In order to maintain their position on the Team, the eligible athlete(s) must continue to demonstrate the ability to finish in the top 3 at the World Championships during the current racing season. This evaluation will be based on results from major international competition and current ranking on the appropriate UCI Individual Classification.
2. Any U.S. Junior rider finishing in the top fifteen (15) in a 2009 Elite UCI Downhill World Cup race by August 3rd, 2009. Events include World Cup DH #1 thru #7. Up to three (3) athletes will be selected from this criterion. If more than three (3) athletes meet this criterion, the three (3) athletes with the highest World Cup placing as of August 3rd, 2009 will be nominated. In the event of a tie, the automatic selection(s) will be filled, in order of priority, by the rider(s) with the highest Overall World Cup ranking as of August 4th, 2009.
3. The winner of the 2009 Junior Cat.1 17-18 National Mountain Bike Downhill Championships. This event is currently scheduled for July 16th-19th, 2009 in Sol Vista, Colorado.
4. The winner of the Massanutten Yee-Ha! Junior Men Cat. 1 Downhill race scheduled for May 9th, 2009 in McGaheysville, Virginia OR the winner of the Fluidride Cup Junior Men Cat. 1 Downhill race scheduled for May 2-3rd, 2009 in Port Angeles, Washington. Of these two (2) race winners, the automatic spot will be granted to the one (1) rider with the higher finish at the Junior Cat. 1 National Mountain Bike Downhill Championships IF that rider finishes in the top three (3) in this race. This event is currently scheduled for July 16th-19th, 2009 in Sol Vista, Colorado.
Note-funded position(s) will be filled in order of selection criterion priority. After the final funded position is filled, all other riders who qualify automatically will NOT be funded.
Elite Mountain Cross
Eligible Participants: USAC International License Holders; Age 17 and over
Maximum Start Positions: 7
Athletes may receive automatic nominations to the team based on the following prioritized criteria:
1. Any athlete placing in the top three (3) at the 2008 World Championships in the same event and category. In order to maintain their position on the Team, the eligible athlete(s) must continue to demonstrate the ability to finish in the top 3 at the World Championships during the current racing season. This evaluation will be based on results from major international competition and current ranking on the appropriate UCI Individual Classification.
2. Any U.S. rider finishing in the top four (4) in a 2009 UCI World Cup Mountain Cross event by August 3rd, 2009. Events include World Cup 4X #1 thru #7. If more than one athlete finishes in the top four (4), the two (2) athletes with the highest Overall World Cup ranking by August 4th, 2009 will automatically qualify for the World Championship Team.
3. The winner of the 2009 Elite National Mountain Bike 4X Championships. This event is currently scheduled for July 16th-19th, 2009 in Sol Vista, Colorado.
4. The highest ranked U.S. riders from the 2009 UCI World Cup 4X Mountain Cross rankings, as of August 4th, 2009, only if they are ranked in the top ten (10) of the 2009 UCI 4X Individual World Rankings by August 4th, 2009.
FINANCIAL RESPONSIBILITY
USAC will be assuming financial responsibility for riders in the teams listed, IF THE RIDERS MEET THE AUTOMATIC QUALIFICATION STANDARDS BELOW (see exceptions with Junior * & Elite DH**). USAC is limited in the number of riders we will fund, indicated by the maximum number in parentheses. USAC may also fund those athletes who are chosen via coaches’ discretionary selection. Information regarding USAC discretionary selection procedures can be found in the “General Team Selection Information” document on the USAC website. All riders should review this document as well as “USAC Process for selecting riders to protected events”. Both of these documents outline responsibilities and requirements for team selection. Please note that USAC may NOT fill the teams to the maximum number of riders if it deems petitioning riders are not medal capable or future medal capable.
1. Men X Country Elite (Maximum of 3)
2. Women X Country Elite (Maximum of 3)
3. U23 Men X Country Elite (Maximum of 1)
4. U23 Women X Country Elite (Maximum of 1)
5. *Junior Men X Country (Maximum of 2)
6. *Junior Women X Country (Maximum of 1)
7. *Junior Men Downhill (Maximum of 2)
8. *Junior Women Downhill (Maximum of 1)
9. **Elite Men Downhill (Maximum of 1)
10. **Elite Women Downhill (Maximum of 1)
11. Elite Men Mountain Cross (Not Funded; 0)
12. Elite Women Mountain Cross (Not Funded: 0)
*Note: A maximum of two (2) Junior Men athletes and one (1) Junior Women athlete in both XC and Downhill will be fully funded upon arrival to Canberra, Australia. These riders will be responsible for all travel to and from Canberra, Australia but will not be required to pay the Team Service Fee. These riders must meet the criteria for automatic selection and will be chosen in the prioritized order outlined in the Junior Downhill automatic selection portion of this document.
**Note: A maximum of one (1) Elite Men and Women Downhill athletes will be fully funded upon arrival to Canberra, Australia. These riders will be responsible for all travel to and from Canberra, Australia but will not be required to pay the Team Service Fee. These riders must meet criteria #1, #2, #3 or #4 for automatic selection outlined in the Elite Downhill automatic selection portion of this document. Riders who only meet criteria #5 will not be considered for this funding.
Podium Compensation- Any athlete that achieves a top three (3) finish at the 2009 MTB World Championships in the event in which they were selected will be refunded the Team Service Fee (if applicable) as well as a fare market value of their economy class round trip airfare ticket to Canberra, Australia (all excess baggage costs are the responsibility of the rider).
Team Service Fee- All team riders who are selected to the team but not funded that wish to use the USAC provided services will be required to pay a Team Service Fee of $1,800.00. This fee will cover lodging, food, ground transport in Canberra, Australia, race support and competition clothing for between 6 and 8 days depending on competition date. Any team riders not wishing to use the USAC provided services will be responsible for all costs and support of their trip including a fee for competition clothing.
IMPORTANT DATES AND DEADLINES
1. World Mountain Bike Championship Team Deadlines
1.1. Deadline for submission of petitions: July 21, 2009
1.2. Announcement of Team: August 13, 2009
1.3. Confirmation of intent to participate August 14, 2009
Oceania DH Results!
Elite Women
1 Whiteman, Claire
2 Buchanan, Caroline
3 Laird, Amy
4 Booth, Sarah
5 Huntington, Sarsha
6 Smith, Cara
Elite Men
1 Graves, Jared
2 Masters, Wyn
3 Button, Joshua
4 Cory, Benjamin
5 Rennie, Nathan
6 Murrell, Darcy
7 Eaton, Tim
8 Atkinson, Rhys
9 Bashford, Aaron
10 Rischbieth, Will
1 Whiteman, Claire
2 Buchanan, Caroline
3 Laird, Amy
4 Booth, Sarah
5 Huntington, Sarsha
6 Smith, Cara
Elite Men
1 Graves, Jared
2 Masters, Wyn
3 Button, Joshua
4 Cory, Benjamin
5 Rennie, Nathan
6 Murrell, Darcy
7 Eaton, Tim
8 Atkinson, Rhys
9 Bashford, Aaron
10 Rischbieth, Will
Friday, March 20, 2009
Oceania 4X Results!
Elite Men
1. Jared Graves
2. Ryan Henderson
3. Leigh Darrell
4. Alex Lloyd
Elite Women
1. Caroline Buchanan
2. Sarsha Huntington
3. Cherie Simpson
4. Vanessa Thompson
1. Jared Graves
2. Ryan Henderson
3. Leigh Darrell
4. Alex Lloyd
Elite Women
1. Caroline Buchanan
2. Sarsha Huntington
3. Cherie Simpson
4. Vanessa Thompson
Tuesday, March 17, 2009
DAYS OF DIRT TRAILER!
Theo from All out Productions just sent over his trailer for his new movie due out in April...
"DAYS OF DIRT"
"DAYS OF DIRT"
Monday, March 16, 2009
POTGIETER, MARTIN GRAB SA DOWNHILL TITLES
In hindsight, only a fool would have bet against Johann Potgieter winning the national title at the MTN South African Downhill mountain bike championships in George on Sunday. Why? Because he’s won every major race on that course since 2006.
Johann Potgieter lived up to his pre-race No. 1 ranking by taking a narrow overall victory.
On Sunday he was once again impossible to beat on a course that’s one of the most physically demanding in the country, with plenty of berms, jumps and a high percentage of pedalling required. The 22-year-old Capetonian clocked a first run time 03min25.02sec down the challenging 2km course, giving him the early lead by more than two seconds over Jonty Neethling (Fox/Morewood).
Potgieter’s second run was more than a second slower than his first and a motivated Neethling improved his time by just under a second, making it a tight finish between two of the pre-race favourites with Potgieter ultimately taking the gold by a second-and-a-half from Neethling.
Jonty Neethling’s second run was quicker than his first, but just not rapid enough to claim the gold medal.
Top Junior, Pierre van der Merwe (Morewood/Monster Energy) impressed by clocking 3:32.16 in his second run, the third best time of the day, giving him the Junior national title in what is becoming a highly competitive category. Gary Barnard (Fox/Morewood) and Louis-Bresler Knipe completed the top five overall.
“After I clocked the best time for the first run, I was a bit more confident going into the second run, but with Jonty only two seconds down, I knew it would be close. Last year, at the National Cup event here, he improved on his first run by five seconds. If there was anyone I was nervous of today it was Jonty,” said a relieved Potgieter.
Potgieter, who also won the national title in 2006, proclaimed Sunday’s result as the highlight of his career thus far.
“When I won in 2006, it wasn’t nearly as special. Downhill racing wasn’t nearly as organised back then and hardly noticed by the media. The depth of the competition is also so much greater now than it was three years ago. Standing on that podium and receiving my national champion’s jersey today was amazing!”
Potgieter, who has only part sponsorship from Red Bull and Von Zipper, hopes this win will help boost his career.
“I really would love to have a full-time racing career, but at the moment it’s part time as I don’t have the resources to race all the important events overseas. I am excited that I’ll be able to race the Pietermaritzburg round of the World Cup in the national champion’s jersey. I hope to have a smooth run there and maybe a top-30 finish.”
In the women’s event top Austrian racer, Lene Fruhwurth (Morewood), ranked 18th in the world, captured the overall victory with a quick time of 4:12.38. However, it was runner-up Anka Martin, who was the fastest of the South Africans in 4:14.16 and was awarded the national title. Gina Nixon, Tayla Brown and Victoria Phillips rounded out the top five respectively.
Martin has been one of the country’s leading female downhill racers for the past few year, but seldom competes locally as she’s based in the United States where she races for a sponsored team.
The national championships, which took place in the forests at the foot of the Outeniqua Mountain range in temperatures over 35 degrees Celsius, doubled as Round 3 of the MTN National Cup, Africa’s only national downhill racing series. Round 4 will be in Pietermaritzburg on 5 April.
New national champions for 2009 (from left): Johann Potgieter (Elite men), Anka Martin (Elite women) and Pierre van der Merwe (Junior men).
2009 MTN National Cross-country Championships, in association with MiWay
Outeniqua Nature Reserve, George
Leading results
Overall Men
1 Johann Potgieter – Red Bull/Von Zipper 3min 25.02sec
2 Jonty Neethling – Fox/Morewood 3:26.34
3 Pierre van der Merwe – Morewood/Monster Energy 3:32.16
4 Gary Barnard – Fox/Morewood 3:32.16
5 Louis-Bresler Knipe – Rocky Mountain 3:34.43
Elite Men
1 Johann Potgieter – Red Bull/Von Zipper 03min25.02sec
2 Jonty Neethling – Fox/Morewood 3:26.34
3 Gary Barnard – Fox/Morewood 3:32.16
Junior Men
1 Pierre van der Merwe – Morewood/Monster Energy 3:32.16
2 Kenneth Sinclair 2:38.04
3 Luke Davis 3:39.25
Elite Women
1 Helene Fruhwirth – Morewood 4:12.38
2 Anka Martin 4:14.16
3 Gina Nixon 4:19.55
4 Tayla Brown 4:50.52
5 Victoria Phillips 4:51.20
Youth Men
1 Tiaan Odendaal 3:47.27
2 Alasdair Fey 3:55.46
3 Matthew Wortmann 3:57.13
Sub-junior Men
1 Alan Hatherly 4:00.05
2 Luke Evans 4:46.23
3 Christopher Rigby 4:50.28
Sub-veteran Men
1 Mark Hopkins 3:47.30
2 Tyrone van Rooyen 3:49.11
3 Devlin Fogg 3:53.10
Veteran Men
1 Chris Nixon 3:37.38
2 Vince Muir 4:08.02
3 Norman Hatherly 4:20.00
Sport Men
1 Peter Haley 4:07.06
2 Rhys Edwards 4:07.47
3 Peder-Allen Molzen 4:08.13
For full results, visit www.cyclesport.co.za
Johann Potgieter lived up to his pre-race No. 1 ranking by taking a narrow overall victory.On Sunday he was once again impossible to beat on a course that’s one of the most physically demanding in the country, with plenty of berms, jumps and a high percentage of pedalling required. The 22-year-old Capetonian clocked a first run time 03min25.02sec down the challenging 2km course, giving him the early lead by more than two seconds over Jonty Neethling (Fox/Morewood).
Potgieter’s second run was more than a second slower than his first and a motivated Neethling improved his time by just under a second, making it a tight finish between two of the pre-race favourites with Potgieter ultimately taking the gold by a second-and-a-half from Neethling.
Jonty Neethling’s second run was quicker than his first, but just not rapid enough to claim the gold medal.Top Junior, Pierre van der Merwe (Morewood/Monster Energy) impressed by clocking 3:32.16 in his second run, the third best time of the day, giving him the Junior national title in what is becoming a highly competitive category. Gary Barnard (Fox/Morewood) and Louis-Bresler Knipe completed the top five overall.
“After I clocked the best time for the first run, I was a bit more confident going into the second run, but with Jonty only two seconds down, I knew it would be close. Last year, at the National Cup event here, he improved on his first run by five seconds. If there was anyone I was nervous of today it was Jonty,” said a relieved Potgieter.
Potgieter, who also won the national title in 2006, proclaimed Sunday’s result as the highlight of his career thus far.
“When I won in 2006, it wasn’t nearly as special. Downhill racing wasn’t nearly as organised back then and hardly noticed by the media. The depth of the competition is also so much greater now than it was three years ago. Standing on that podium and receiving my national champion’s jersey today was amazing!”
Potgieter, who has only part sponsorship from Red Bull and Von Zipper, hopes this win will help boost his career.
“I really would love to have a full-time racing career, but at the moment it’s part time as I don’t have the resources to race all the important events overseas. I am excited that I’ll be able to race the Pietermaritzburg round of the World Cup in the national champion’s jersey. I hope to have a smooth run there and maybe a top-30 finish.”
In the women’s event top Austrian racer, Lene Fruhwurth (Morewood), ranked 18th in the world, captured the overall victory with a quick time of 4:12.38. However, it was runner-up Anka Martin, who was the fastest of the South Africans in 4:14.16 and was awarded the national title. Gina Nixon, Tayla Brown and Victoria Phillips rounded out the top five respectively.
Martin has been one of the country’s leading female downhill racers for the past few year, but seldom competes locally as she’s based in the United States where she races for a sponsored team.
The national championships, which took place in the forests at the foot of the Outeniqua Mountain range in temperatures over 35 degrees Celsius, doubled as Round 3 of the MTN National Cup, Africa’s only national downhill racing series. Round 4 will be in Pietermaritzburg on 5 April.
New national champions for 2009 (from left): Johann Potgieter (Elite men), Anka Martin (Elite women) and Pierre van der Merwe (Junior men).2009 MTN National Cross-country Championships, in association with MiWay
Outeniqua Nature Reserve, George
Leading results
Overall Men
1 Johann Potgieter – Red Bull/Von Zipper 3min 25.02sec
2 Jonty Neethling – Fox/Morewood 3:26.34
3 Pierre van der Merwe – Morewood/Monster Energy 3:32.16
4 Gary Barnard – Fox/Morewood 3:32.16
5 Louis-Bresler Knipe – Rocky Mountain 3:34.43
Elite Men
1 Johann Potgieter – Red Bull/Von Zipper 03min25.02sec
2 Jonty Neethling – Fox/Morewood 3:26.34
3 Gary Barnard – Fox/Morewood 3:32.16
Junior Men
1 Pierre van der Merwe – Morewood/Monster Energy 3:32.16
2 Kenneth Sinclair 2:38.04
3 Luke Davis 3:39.25
Elite Women
1 Helene Fruhwirth – Morewood 4:12.38
2 Anka Martin 4:14.16
3 Gina Nixon 4:19.55
4 Tayla Brown 4:50.52
5 Victoria Phillips 4:51.20
Youth Men
1 Tiaan Odendaal 3:47.27
2 Alasdair Fey 3:55.46
3 Matthew Wortmann 3:57.13
Sub-junior Men
1 Alan Hatherly 4:00.05
2 Luke Evans 4:46.23
3 Christopher Rigby 4:50.28
Sub-veteran Men
1 Mark Hopkins 3:47.30
2 Tyrone van Rooyen 3:49.11
3 Devlin Fogg 3:53.10
Veteran Men
1 Chris Nixon 3:37.38
2 Vince Muir 4:08.02
3 Norman Hatherly 4:20.00
Sport Men
1 Peter Haley 4:07.06
2 Rhys Edwards 4:07.47
3 Peder-Allen Molzen 4:08.13
For full results, visit www.cyclesport.co.za
Tuesday, March 3, 2009
EVOMO T-SHIRT DESIGN CONTEST HAS $500 IN CASH IN PRIZES UP FOR GRABS
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
LOS ANGELES, CA - Evomo is holding a t-shirt design contest with over $500 in cash and prizes. Its really easy to enter and a great chance to show off your creative design skills.
Contest ends March 22 and voting begins the follow week just in time to allow production of the winning shirt design to debut at the Evomo Team booth at the largest cycling party in the U.S., The Sea Otter Classic in April.
How To Enter
1. Download the templates and read our rules
You must submit your design using one of our provided templates and follow the rules here:
http://evomo.com/contest/tshirtDesign09/
2. Create an Original design
Design your t-shirt however you like. We suggest using a vector art program such as Adobe Illustrator or an image editing like Adobe Photoshop. If you are using photoshop, make sure your design size is at at least 200dpi. When you are done, make sure your design fits within the provided template. Then save a copy of your design as a gif at 72 dpi. Be sure to keep your hi-resolution version of the design somewhere safe in case your design is picked.
3. Submit your design at evomo.com
You will need to create a 72 dpi gif image of your design to upload. When you have your design ready, fill out the form and upload your jpg or gif image to complete the submission process. Please save your original high resolution file! If your design is picked as the winner, we will need to contact you and request your original file.
4. How the winner is picked
Designs must be submitted via the evomo.com website by March 22 11:59 PM PST. Evomo staff will view all submissions and select 3 finalists. These 3 entries will be voted on by the general public, your peers, and anyone who visits evomo.com between March 23 - March 29, 2009. At the end of that period the design with the most votes will be declared the winner.
5. Prizes!
GRAND PRIZE valued at $400 ($100 Cash! Plus, your design will be sold exclusively through the Evomo Store! Your design will debut at the Sea Otter Classic! 10 free T-shirts of your wining design; Choice of any three t-shirts from shop.evomo.com; One free Evomo flexfit Team Cap)
RUNNER UP PRIZES (2) valued at $50 (Choice of any one t-shirt from shop.evomo.com; One free Evomo flexfit Team Cap)
Submit your entry here: http://www.evomo.com/contest/
For more information how to Bring the Rukus please contact:
Evomo Clothing
Toll free: (888) 346-4421
www.evomo.com
LOS ANGELES, CA - Evomo is holding a t-shirt design contest with over $500 in cash and prizes. Its really easy to enter and a great chance to show off your creative design skills.
Contest ends March 22 and voting begins the follow week just in time to allow production of the winning shirt design to debut at the Evomo Team booth at the largest cycling party in the U.S., The Sea Otter Classic in April.
How To Enter
1. Download the templates and read our rules
You must submit your design using one of our provided templates and follow the rules here:
http://evomo.com/contest/tshirtDesign09/
2. Create an Original design
Design your t-shirt however you like. We suggest using a vector art program such as Adobe Illustrator or an image editing like Adobe Photoshop. If you are using photoshop, make sure your design size is at at least 200dpi. When you are done, make sure your design fits within the provided template. Then save a copy of your design as a gif at 72 dpi. Be sure to keep your hi-resolution version of the design somewhere safe in case your design is picked.
3. Submit your design at evomo.com
You will need to create a 72 dpi gif image of your design to upload. When you have your design ready, fill out the form and upload your jpg or gif image to complete the submission process. Please save your original high resolution file! If your design is picked as the winner, we will need to contact you and request your original file.
4. How the winner is picked
Designs must be submitted via the evomo.com website by March 22 11:59 PM PST. Evomo staff will view all submissions and select 3 finalists. These 3 entries will be voted on by the general public, your peers, and anyone who visits evomo.com between March 23 - March 29, 2009. At the end of that period the design with the most votes will be declared the winner.
5. Prizes!
GRAND PRIZE valued at $400 ($100 Cash! Plus, your design will be sold exclusively through the Evomo Store! Your design will debut at the Sea Otter Classic! 10 free T-shirts of your wining design; Choice of any three t-shirts from shop.evomo.com; One free Evomo flexfit Team Cap)
RUNNER UP PRIZES (2) valued at $50 (Choice of any one t-shirt from shop.evomo.com; One free Evomo flexfit Team Cap)
Submit your entry here: http://www.evomo.com/contest/
For more information how to Bring the Rukus please contact:
Evomo Clothing
Toll free: (888) 346-4421
www.evomo.com
Sunday, March 1, 2009
NZ National Championships!
World No 5 ranked Justin Leov produced a stunning performance to win the downhill title at the RaboPlus New Zealand Mountainbike Championships in Nelson on Sunday.
Leov (Christchurch), who has just signed for the new Trek professional team, went in as the second fastest after the seeding run behind fellow New Zealand team-mate Sam Blenkinsop (Wanganui) who won the dual slalom on Friday.
Leov, who was sixth in last year’s world championships, ripped down the course in 3:21:74 to lay down the challenge to Blenkinsop.
The Wanganui rider was unable to answer the challenge, finishing second just over a second outside Leov’s time.
Veteran Nathan Rankin (Levin), who had a disastrous seeding run, got his act together with a 3:25:45 effort to lead for much of the competition.
His time was bettered only by Leov, Blenkinsop and Kieren Bennett (Nelson).
Blenheim’s Harriet Harper won the women’s title in 4:49:46, three seconds clear of Christchurch’s Amy Laird.
Internationals Emmeline Ragot (FRA), Sabrina Jonnier (FRA) and Harriet Reucknagal (GER) dominated the competition although were not eligible for national honours.
Competitors were greeted to a hot sunny day although the track cut out considerably after the heavy rain that fell on Saturday.
Meanwhile Christchurch’s Nathan Sharratt took out the Four Cross final.
Sharratt, whose brother Brendon was runner-up in the crosscountry, managed a clean run to take out the final convincingly.
The experienced Wyn Masters, his brother Eddie and Scotland’s Ben Cathro all tangled on the first corner of the final while Sharratt was able to keep clear of the melee. He finished well clear of Wyn Masters with Eddie Masters third and Cathro fourth after a further off down the muddy surface.
Results, Downhill:
Elite men:
Justin Leov (Christchurch) 3:21.74, 1;
Sam Blenkinsop (Wanganui) 3:22.91, 2;
Kieren Bennett (Nelson) 3:25:45, 3;
Nathan Rankin (Levin) 3:29:18, 4;
Edward Masters (New Plymouth) 3:30:32, 5.
Under-19:
Brook MacDonald (Napier) 3:29:32, 1;
George Brannigan (Hawkes Bay) 3:40:59, 2;
Rupert Chatman (Christchurch) 3:49:55, 3.
Under-17:
Reuben Olorenshaw (Nelson) 3:55:12, 1;
Daniel Franks (Christchurch) 3:57:26, 2;
Simon Barratt (Wellington) 4:04:49, 3.
Four Cross Final:
Nathan Sharratt (Chritchurch) 1,
Wyn Masters (Taranaki) 2,
Eddie Masters (Taranaki) 3,
Ben Cathro (Scotland) 4.
Elite women, downhill:
Harriet Harper (Blenheim) 4:49:46, 1;
Amy Laird (Christchurch) 4:52.20, 2;
Gabrielle Malloy (Rotorua) 4:55.60, 3.
Leov (Christchurch), who has just signed for the new Trek professional team, went in as the second fastest after the seeding run behind fellow New Zealand team-mate Sam Blenkinsop (Wanganui) who won the dual slalom on Friday.
Leov, who was sixth in last year’s world championships, ripped down the course in 3:21:74 to lay down the challenge to Blenkinsop.
The Wanganui rider was unable to answer the challenge, finishing second just over a second outside Leov’s time.
Veteran Nathan Rankin (Levin), who had a disastrous seeding run, got his act together with a 3:25:45 effort to lead for much of the competition.
His time was bettered only by Leov, Blenkinsop and Kieren Bennett (Nelson).
Blenheim’s Harriet Harper won the women’s title in 4:49:46, three seconds clear of Christchurch’s Amy Laird.
Internationals Emmeline Ragot (FRA), Sabrina Jonnier (FRA) and Harriet Reucknagal (GER) dominated the competition although were not eligible for national honours.
Competitors were greeted to a hot sunny day although the track cut out considerably after the heavy rain that fell on Saturday.
Meanwhile Christchurch’s Nathan Sharratt took out the Four Cross final.
Sharratt, whose brother Brendon was runner-up in the crosscountry, managed a clean run to take out the final convincingly.
The experienced Wyn Masters, his brother Eddie and Scotland’s Ben Cathro all tangled on the first corner of the final while Sharratt was able to keep clear of the melee. He finished well clear of Wyn Masters with Eddie Masters third and Cathro fourth after a further off down the muddy surface.
Results, Downhill:
Elite men:
Justin Leov (Christchurch) 3:21.74, 1;
Sam Blenkinsop (Wanganui) 3:22.91, 2;
Kieren Bennett (Nelson) 3:25:45, 3;
Nathan Rankin (Levin) 3:29:18, 4;
Edward Masters (New Plymouth) 3:30:32, 5.
Under-19:
Brook MacDonald (Napier) 3:29:32, 1;
George Brannigan (Hawkes Bay) 3:40:59, 2;
Rupert Chatman (Christchurch) 3:49:55, 3.
Under-17:
Reuben Olorenshaw (Nelson) 3:55:12, 1;
Daniel Franks (Christchurch) 3:57:26, 2;
Simon Barratt (Wellington) 4:04:49, 3.
Four Cross Final:
Nathan Sharratt (Chritchurch) 1,
Wyn Masters (Taranaki) 2,
Eddie Masters (Taranaki) 3,
Ben Cathro (Scotland) 4.
Elite women, downhill:
Harriet Harper (Blenheim) 4:49:46, 1;
Amy Laird (Christchurch) 4:52.20, 2;
Gabrielle Malloy (Rotorua) 4:55.60, 3.
USA Pan American MTB Championship Squad Announced
Colorado Springs, Colo. (February 23, 2009)—USA Cycling announced today the athletes that will represent the United States at the 2009 Pan American Mountain Bike Championships, March 20-23 in Santiago, Chile.
An eight-person gravity contingent will also wear the Stars-and-Stripes in Chile while contesting downhill and 4-cross events. All discretionary picks, Curtis Keene (Fremont, Calif.), Heikki Hall (Durango, Colo.), Chris Van Dine (Park City, Utah), Ethan Quehl (Grayson, Ga.), Graeme Pitts (Nevada City, Calif.) and Chris Heath (Durango, Colo.) will compete in the men’s downhill event, while Kathy Pruitt (Santa Cruz, Calif.) and Rachel Bauer (Aspen, Colo.) will race women’s downhill.
Hall, Van Dine, Pruitt and Bauer will also race in their respective 4-cross competitions.
2009 Pan American Mountain Bike Championships
March 20-23
Santiago, Chile
Team USA:
Men’s Downhill
Curtis Keene (Fremont, Calif.)
Heikki Hall (Durango, Colo.)
Chris Van Dine (Park City, Utah)
Ethan Quehl (Grayson, Ga.)
Graeme Pitts (Nevada City, Calif.)
Chris Heath (Durango, Colo.)
Women’s Downhill
Kathy Pruitt (Santa Cruz, Calif.)
Rachel Bauer (Aspen, Colo.)
Men’s 4-Cross
Heikki Hall
Chris Van Dine
Women’s 4-Cross
Kathy Pruitt
Rachel Bauer
An eight-person gravity contingent will also wear the Stars-and-Stripes in Chile while contesting downhill and 4-cross events. All discretionary picks, Curtis Keene (Fremont, Calif.), Heikki Hall (Durango, Colo.), Chris Van Dine (Park City, Utah), Ethan Quehl (Grayson, Ga.), Graeme Pitts (Nevada City, Calif.) and Chris Heath (Durango, Colo.) will compete in the men’s downhill event, while Kathy Pruitt (Santa Cruz, Calif.) and Rachel Bauer (Aspen, Colo.) will race women’s downhill.
Hall, Van Dine, Pruitt and Bauer will also race in their respective 4-cross competitions.
2009 Pan American Mountain Bike Championships
March 20-23
Santiago, Chile
Team USA:
Men’s Downhill
Curtis Keene (Fremont, Calif.)
Heikki Hall (Durango, Colo.)
Chris Van Dine (Park City, Utah)
Ethan Quehl (Grayson, Ga.)
Graeme Pitts (Nevada City, Calif.)
Chris Heath (Durango, Colo.)
Women’s Downhill
Kathy Pruitt (Santa Cruz, Calif.)
Rachel Bauer (Aspen, Colo.)
Men’s 4-Cross
Heikki Hall
Chris Van Dine
Women’s 4-Cross
Kathy Pruitt
Rachel Bauer
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