February 26/03 10:33 am - Merced Criterium, Global Racing 2003, Sea Otter Adds Gravity Omnium

Posted by Editoress on 02/26/03
 

Merced Criterium
Courtesy H.H.<.i>

On Sunday February 23rd, in downtown Merced CA, Eric Wohlberg, Chris Horner and Trent Klasna battled it out against the same crew from the previous days racing at the Snelling Road Race. The field was full, 125 riders, with riders being turned away. Another beautiful California spring day, mid 60's light winds. Racing is in full swing and fields filled to capacity. The dream of any Canadian race organizer. There were 30 women cat 4 riders in the road race and around 20 cat 4's in the Crit. Awesome to see so many young women getting their first taste of road racing.

The race course was modified slightly over the usual Merced course. A .7 mile technical flat course with 2 corners. a shakane, a romp through a small paved alleyway and then another two corners to end up on the start finish line. A group of about 10 took a lap early in the race. Eric and Trent were in the group as well as Mike Sayers and Dave Fuentes.

Chris Horner led out the last lap. There was some jockeying for positions in the alley way the last time around. A 6 rider gap formed with 400 meters to go. Magnell got the jump and won a close print with Wohlberg in second, Sayers third, Klasna fourth and Fuentes fifth.

Men's Pro 1-2 (unofficial)
1. Sterling Magnell (Sierra Nevada/ClifBar )
2. Eric Wohlberg (Saturn)
3. Mike Sayers (HealthNut)
4. Klasna Trent (Saturn)
5. Dave Fuentes (Sierra Nevada/ClifBar )


Global Racing to Reurn in 2003
Courtesy Martin Whiteley

The Global Racing Mountain Bike Team will return to international racing in 2003 despite not having a corporate sponsor for the program. Team Director Martin Whiteley confirms that he has signed four riders from 3 different continents, and has also confirmed the vast majority of the Official Suppliers from 2002 who will be back on board for 2003.

The riders on the team include 2 riders from the 2002 Global Racing roster, plus two brand new riders who the team is keen on developing and introducing to further international racing.

The main focus of the team will be World Cups, NORBA and races in the Spanish MAXXIS Cup.

Riders:

Cesar Rojo (Esp)
Matti Lehikoinen (Fin)
Andrew Neethling (RSA)
Lindsay Klein (Aus)


Sea Otter Premiers "Gravity Omnium"

The Sea Otter Classic, will continue its innovative ways with the introduction of a Gravity Omnium. This award will be given to the best overall cyclist in three separate pro events: downhill, dual slalom, and mountain cross.

The organizers are putting up a $4,000 prize list just for this event. That money does not include the prize list for each individual event within the omnium.

"Gravity mountain bike racers are becoming more and more specialized," said Rick Sutton, chief operating officer. "Thus, we saw fit to recognize those riders who are consistently strong contenders in all three gravity events.

The Gravity Omnium is a pro-only event for both men and women. Riders must compete in all three of the events with points awarded for each result. The point system is 1 point for a win, two for second, three for third, etc. The lowest point total is the winner. Three wins would give a rider just three points. The final event, Sunday's mountain cross, will serve as the tiebreaker.

Riders may still enter single events. Entry in the omnium is not mandatory.