Sea Otter Dual Slalom Photo Wrap up

May 6th, 2014 11:34am

With the scheduling conflict of the first World Cup Downhill race going on half way around the world, the Sea Otter classic managed to be a success. Even though most of the current big names were missing, there was still enough talent between the up and comers and former national and world champions to ensure anyone going home with a title would not take it without a fight.

The premier spectator event at the Otter in without contest the dual slalom. First of all because it is a unique event, its spectator friendly and keeps the action moving for the better part of two hours. Add in American flags, beer and spectacular lighting courtesy of mother nature and you have the stuff legendary events are made of.

This years dual slalom was won by a young up and comer named Cody Kelley, who took the number one qualifying spot away from the defending champion Kyle Strait. Strait had a big bobble in one of his qualifying runs and Kelley took the opportunity to earn the number one plate. Since it was qualifying, most people thought Strait would be the one to beat. But with guys like Brian Lopes in the field showing off his new Intense sponsorship, the KHS boys - Bingelli and Aiello, Former US BMX National Champ Mike Day, Mikey Haderer, Logan Cometti, Lars Sternberg, Austin Warren, Walker Shaw and Cam Zink, the road to glory would be earned.


Heat race after heat race, Kelley took out his opponents with extremely steady riding and consistency. Things got tough in the semis when Kelley had to get past Mr. Lopes. If you are going to win a big event, there is no other option than to go through the best racer in US History to prove your title. And while Brian is more than twice Kelleys age, everyone knows there is no quit in Lopes and he wasnt going to let the kid off easy. Having known Cody for several years now, I was unsure of how he would handle the pressure of racing one of his idols. Any doubt was quickly set aside as Kelley road like a machine putting his own BMX skills and off season training on display - dismissing Lopes handily on both courses. Only Kyle Strait stood between himself and the podium.

In heat one Straight got the better of Kelly, by hundreths of a second. Which meant it would pretty much be winner take all for the final run. As the second gate dropped, the race was over before hitting the first set of burms as Straithit the eject button allowing Kelley to enjoy the trip down the course uncontested. Strait, always the showman rolled down the course pulling a 360 off the table to delight the crowd.

It was great to see one of the stars of tomorrow come out of his shell and show the rest of biking community just how good he is. No big sponsors (yet), just a young shredder chasing his best friend (Mitch Ropelato) around the hills and tracks of Utah on anything with two wheels. Cody is here to stay for a while and the Sea Otter and American bike racing is going to be better for it. Well done, young man, well done.

Dave Cullinan rocking the Vans skate shoes in his effort

Mikey Haderer (8) riding for Corsair bikes made it through a couple of rounds before taking the night off

Cody Kelley show how far back you get off the seat over the speed hump mid course. Enve wheels is probably stoked to have him on board their hoops.

KHS factory rider Kevin Aiello has been on fire this year in the DH world - throws down with style

Brian Lopes debutted his Intense Sponsorship and finished third in the slalom and first in the DH

Cam Zink transforms the top rythm into a triple instead. Great to see riders get out of their normal element.

John Hauer is a fast privateer and Enduro specialist - qualifited for the slalom

Logan Bingelli makes his way around the perfectly sculpeted berm on way to quarter finals

Multiple time National BMX champ and legend Mike Day made the field but then was bounced after one round win.

Cody Kelley carried speed everywhere.

John Hauer leads Lars Sternberg as they turn for final sprint home. The course was so good - the races were this close most of the time.

Lopes shows the determined look that made him famous. Lopes and Bingelli in the small main. Lopes would take third.

Bingelli deep in the berm.

Kyle Strait was smooth and consistent until the last run.

The course got some serious love this year and was in great shape.

I needed to get one gratuitous shot of the flags and who better to represent then BL himself.

The only heat race Kelley lost all day was in the finals. It wasn't by more than a bee's dick making the last run the run for glory.

Call it style or perfect technique, either way it pays to have skills like this under pressure.

His first big win and all smiles - Cody Kellley - Your Pro Mens Dual Slalom Champion.

You could see the relief just melt away with the win.

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