June 24/00 8:25 am - Mount Snow Dual Story

Posted by Editor on 06/24/00
 

Lopes and Miller Take Mount Snow Dual

We have just seen the return to competition of Katrina Miller (Jamis), after an enforced layoff caused by a separated shoulder at World Cup #1 in Les Gets, France. The break doesn't seem to have slowed her down much, as she dominated the women's field in Mount Snow. On the men's side, it was perennial favourite Brian Lopes (Volvo-Cannondale) taking the winning honours, after an expected battle with world champion Wade Bootes (Trek-Volkswagen) did not materialize.

Miller admitted to nervousness, but didn't show it as she blew through the competition, beating Series' leader Cheri Elliott (Maxxis) in the final. "I was pretty stoked because it was my first race back, but I was nervous about my leg speed and fitness." Miller rates herself at "about 90%". Her competition should be worried as she gets back up to 100%...

On the men's side it was expected to be a battle between Lopes and Bootes - a rematch of their worlds championship final. However, the pair met in the second round, and Lopes easily disposed of his rival. "I noticed that Wade's training times, and qualifier weren't good, so I wasn't as concerned about him as I was about Eric (Carter - Team GT)."

The Worlds silver medallist was correct in his assessment, as Carter did make it through to the final against him. Lopes took the first run by 0.4 seconds, setting up a battle for the final run. However, Carter anticipated the gate and caught a pedal, almost going over the bars, and giving Lopes an easy cruise to the title.

"I wasn't going to go down easy", said Carter. I wanted to be first out of the gate, and I'd rather go down big, than lose by 0.4."

Race Note:

- Lopes rode his full suspension Jeykll in the Dual, after qualifying on his hardtail. "The Jeykll just felt better on the course, so I'm glad I tried it." It is Lopes' first win on full suspension.

- The two Canadians in the competition, Tera Meade and Lorraine Blancher, both got knocked out in the first round.