August 4th, 2015 10:36pm
While Downieville has never claimed to be an Enduro event as it goes along in its awesomeness, its lore is starting to approach that of the mega avalanche in its own understated way. In its 20th year of racing, Downieville proudly stakes its claim as an all mountain race and while it doesn't have the spectacle of the mass snowy start, its does require the total rider package.
This years complete package title goes to Jason Moeschler. A winner back in 2007 it has been quite a few years since Jason has been on the top step of this grand daddy of American mountain bike races. Sure Jason finished second a couple of times in between wins, but second really is the first loser and doesnt really count.
What makes this win cool is that Jason does have a full time job - as the Global marketing manager for WTB tires, which actually does cut into his training quite a bit because Jason puts in the same amount of intense effort into that as he does his riding. But apparently this year he found some time to kick it up a notch.
The win was anything but total domination. Jason had to be smart and conserve a bit of energy on the day 1 XC-climb portion of the event and settle for third place giving up 5 full minutes to stage winner and five time overall winner Carl Decker. In true Moeschler fashion, Jason pushed the downhill section hard and arrived without a flat on his WTB Riddler 2.4 tires (gratuitously earned plug) and riding Cannondales newest all-round mtb bike the Habit that was a full 1.5 lbs lighter than the Jekyl that Jason piloted to second place last year. If you haven't see this bike, don't worry, no one really has but they soon will. (Here is a sneak peak video on the bike that you can see)
That weight savings had to help on the climb and was still burly enough to handle Downieville's 15 mile, 5,000 ft descent downhill run.
Even with all that good equipment and engine, Lady luck stepped in to deal the final blow when Decker flatted on the downhill (maybe he should have run those WTB tires ??) losing 15 minutes in the process and any chance of winning for the 6th time.
Some times its better to be lucky than good, but Moeschler was both on this weekend, and at Downieville, that is a good thing.
Jason Moeschler dragging some brake on the loose and rough section of the downhill. Photo CreditL Brad Holmes
The rider and his rig - Jason piloted the new Cannondale Habit to the victory. Photo Credit: Brad Holmes
Location: News >> Downieville celebrates 20 years of - The Downhill
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