It's the start of April and in the PNW that means there's light outside after a long day of work. It also means the start of the NW Cup race season! Mountain bike racers have been itching to compete since our finals in Port Angeles back in September, and the season opener did not disappoint. Over the winter NW Cup's very own Scott Tucker, with help from Luke Strobel and Matt Orlando, set out to give our racers a fresh-cut experience out at Dry Hill.
Cat 3 racers got a new upper track section with Mini Muffin splitting off of Muffin top. A little tighter, but still with amazing flow, and an awesome table at the end, they had some new lines to learn, and a great way to learn to hold speed.
Cat 2 wasn't left out with the chance to race King Diamond for some tech up top, and then a couple of new sections through the middle. Line choices and flow abounded with fresh berms and some open speed. Some new tech kept everyone on their toes.
Finally, the Pros showed up to an entirely new track top to bottom thanks to some generous support from Specialized. Luke Strobel and Matt Orlando helped out with design and building to provide a track with a multitude of line choices, flow, steep, and tech. And boy did it deliver! The puzzling started on day one for all the riders, and even by Sunday at race time, when Mother Nature decided that a deluge should start during the Junior Women, riders were still figuring it out. At the end of the day Tegan Cruz and Anna Newkirk took home the wins.
Smiles were all over the pits, regardless of the weather, and everyone is excited for round two in May! We can't wait to see everyone out at Dry Hill again for round 2.
Cole Suetos enjoying some very not-California like conditions Patrik ZuestAlex Mallen styling the new step down on the pro course Patrik ZuestEthan Fedor, the man with the best beard on the mountain. Patrik ZuestJakob Jewett 2nd on the day, loving the dirt and lines. Patrik ZuestJosh Gibb more than comfortable in the PNW mud. Patrik ZuestSome days just don't go to plan. Patrik ZuestDamion Comeau with the style getting him 5th in Cat 2 13-14. Patrik ZuestJesse Sinclair taking the high line on his way to 3rd in Cat 2 19-29. Patrik ZuestThe mud just wasn't in a helping mood, but Magnus Manson figured it out for 8th in a deep field when it counted. Patrik ZuestEmilie Simeur has this berm on lock... 2nd in Cat 3 10u. Patrik ZuestDerrick Kidd on his way to winning Cat 2 30-39. Patrik ZuestLuke Strobel, who worked close with Matt Orlando and Scott Tucker loving his new creation at Dry Hill. Patrik ZuestMatt Orlando loving the flow of his creation as well. Patrik ZuestBrandon Douglas getting a little wild during practice. Patrik ZuestWhen you have the chance for the pass in the final corner, you take it! Ashley Larson and Tara Platz. Patrik ZuestJackson Larson enjoying a new section of the Cat 2 track. Patrik ZuestElla Erickson loving the nascar berm at the end of the new Pro Course. Patrik ZuestCooper Sandall showing some style while helping out some Cat 3 racers during practice. Patrik ZuestIt may seem like it has ALL the grip... but it is still a fine line between rolling and sliding through the finish. Patrik ZuestWhen the berm is taller than you are....its all good! Trey Powers 3rd in 7u. Patrik ZuestAnna Newkirk and Abbigail Hogie confirming the double podium and win! Patrik ZuestPro Women's Podium 1. Anna Newkirk 2. Emmy Lan 3. Taylor Ostgaard 4. Bailey Goldstone 5. Abigail Hogie Patrik ZuestPro Men's Podium 1. Tegan Cruz 2. Jakob Jewett 3. John Riichardson 4. Bodhi Kuhn 5. Coren Skrypnek Patrik Zuest
View replies to: 2023 NW Cup Season Opener
Comments