Bishop and Gould rule the Season Opener at Bonelli

March 30th, 2011 12:20pm

There was no shortage of excitement at the season opener in Bonelli Park. With so many racers capable and fit enough to win this early in the year, the mens race turned out to be a thriller with all three podium finishers coming from behind to catch Sid Taberley, who looked invincible by leading every lap until the last. That's when the wheels came off.

From the gun, Taberlay seemed to pull away from the field with ease as he put time into the chase group. For the first four laps it looked like a classic run away as the Aussie - fit from competing in his country's season - stretched out his lead as the relentless North American field continued their chase. As easy as Taberlay made it look, the switch in fortunes came just as quickly on the next to last lap as the serging Jeremiah Bishop, who caught and passed the chase group after being dropped with a minor mechanical set his sights on the leader. Bishop definitely had the legs and broke away from the chase group until he caught and over took Taberlay with a little over lap to go on the five mile course.

Taberlay's implosion on the final lap was complete as chase group riders Max Plaxton and Todd Wells also caught and passed Taberlay for second and third place with Wells making his pass on the final climb. 

Jeremiah Bishop (left) had the legs to bring back and pass the chase group before running down the leader to take victory. Bishop also won the short track race on Sunday.

Taberlay was definitely on form during Saturdays race, but came up a lap short. Taberlay hung on for fourth in the XC
and would come back to take the Super D win later in the day.

Max Plaxton quietly rode into second place.

Todd Wells sporting his brand new US Champ kit as he raced around the lake.

Jeremiah Bishop shares his enthusiasm for the win with his wife.  It's been a few years since Bishop has stood on top of an XC podium. Bishop has focused a bit more on endurance racing over the last few years.

On the women's side of the table, it was Georia Gould showing strong form out of the gate to take the women's race from the beginning.

Gould who had a successful cyclo-cross season warms up on the trainer before taking the race to her competitors.

From the beginning, there would be no doubt about who was dominant as Gould puts the hammer down.

Lea Davison had a strong showing but just wasn't on par with Gould's current fitness.

Krista Park rode well and secured 3rd.

Emily Batty sporting her new Subaru Trek kit looked strong and despite a flat finished 4th.

The  Bonelli Park course features several cactus gardens to keep riders honest and focused.

All Photos are © Copyright of Jake Orness

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