January 20th, 2015 7:47am
The series kick off is traditionally held at McDowell Mtn Park which has hosted numerous national races in the past. A fast roller coaster of course, competitors utilized three different loops that reside in the Fountain Hills park. The conditions were perfect for racing and with some recent trail maintenance done, the Sonoran single track was super fast.
The turnout for the kick off was outstanding with 640 racers ready to test their legs. Riders from at least five states showed up to revel in the 60-70 degree temps and fast course.
The Arizona race scene has been really blowing up over the last two seasons thanks largely to the success of the Arizona High School league breathing new life into the sport and a strong board that has added several new venues over the last two years. The student athletes are bringing their parents, siblings and friends into the sport .
The large turnout meant legitimate race groups with 30-50 rides in many classes. The Marathon class was easily the largest class with 78 men and 21 women taking on the 43 mile course.
My personal favorite classes are the beginners and first timers. It is amazing to see people experience their first race and the camaraderie that goes with it. Watching the faces of nervous racers when they hear the 3 minute start call is priceless. Equally as fun is seeing the look on their faces when they cross the finish line for the first time. You know they are hooked and the McDowell track is the perfect course to have your first experience on.
Run like clockwork, the race saw Tyler Coplea and Ryan Geiger pace each other away from the Pro mens field never separated by more than a bike length. Coplea took the win attacking on a short hill out of the wash just a quarter mile from the finish line. Coplea managed to get infront of Geiger before the tight single track finish keep Geiger on his rear wheel to the line. Seasoned veterans Eric Salstrand and TJ Woodruff could not quite keep the early season pace of the two leaders and took the third and fourth place spots.
Results from the men, womens and Junior events can be viewed and downloaded below.
More Pictures from the race can be seen here.
Find out about other Arizona Races at the official Mountain Bike Association of Arizona website - MBAA.net
Pro and Expert men start - lead by Ryan Geiger (6) start the 2015 season
640 racers showed up to kick off the season resulting in fields 30-50 racers deep.
McDowell Mtn Park lights up in the early morning sun.
US Military Endurance Sporst Rider- David Flatten came all the way from Virginia to race the Pro Men.
David Erb Rocks the Flannel and a wheelie in a big expert mens field. Flannel and a wheelie will get you a photo prop anytime because he is keeping it real...
The Juniors where well represented on the day, but Mitchell Demyan of Lake Havasu wheelied coming up the uphill without my prompt so he wins rad kid of the day took 5th for his effort
TJ Woodruff rails the swoopy berm section of the sport loop.
Toasted Head Pro racer Mike Montalbano (7) and Tim Maddox (34) - Expert 3rd place winding through the sport loop berms.
Ivan Volkov of San Tan Racing on his way to 4th place in expert men
Pro Men Ryan Geiger(9) and Tyler Coplea (446) were on each others wheel the entire race.
The banked berms make for some good lean and interesting shots. William Westfall of GPE/Octane racing
16 year old Caiden Plummer threw down with the Open expert men and finished an impressive 13th out of 27 racers. Only a high school racer, this kid is fast! I'm sure the other high school racers where happy to see him not in their class.
Pros -Mike Montalbano and Dave Flatten keeping it pinned on the final minutes of the race. This was for position.
At the end of any race, every climb is painful.
Head down suffering single speeder Cody Kukulski is heading for home and a solid 5th place finish.
The new wave of High school riders is impressive. These kids can ride and are serious. The AZ Devo team had several strong riders in different classes.
More Pictures from the race can be seen here.
Location: News >> Arizona Kicks off Race Season in perfect conditions
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