March 5/05 7:52 am - NORBA #1: Kabush and Sydor take the wins

Posted by Editoress on 03/5/05
 

NORBA #1 Boerne, Texas, USA

Courtesy USA Cycling

Cloud cover and light drizzle over Texas hill country set the stage for the first day of racing in the 2005 Shimano NORBA National Mountain Bike Series. The stage race format began with today's time trial, in which Canadian riders Geoff Kabush and Alison Sydor posted the fastest times.

The time trial was held in a different part of the resort than where the cross-country races will be held, making use of approximately three miles of the property's horse trails. Top pros including several 2004 Olympians christened their 2005 season this afternoon on the three-mile course.

Among the familiar faces was Canada's 2004 Olympic silver medalist Marie Helene-Premont. She was the first to line up for her race against the clock and managed to maintain the time to beat until three-time World Champion posted a 12:27.5. Helene-Premont held onto second place with a 12:39.6. Shonny Vanlandingham was the fastest American in the women's race, while Sue Haywood and Willow Koerber finished within tenths of a second of each other to round out the top five.

The men's event featured plenty of talent with all of the top guns fighting to claim the first win of the season. Australian Trent Lowe had an impressive ride, and it was obvious he had a good time as he powered down the final stretch. Clocking a 10:42, the Aussie moved into the hot seat with the final men still to come. Although it was an extraordinary time, the crowd anticipated the arrival of Geoff Kabush ˆ the last man out of the gate. Sure enough, Kabush stole the top spot on the podium with a 10:39.6. Adam Craig secured third place in 11:30, while Jeremy Horgan-Kobelski and Chris Sheppard claimed fourth and fifth respectively.

Also on the agenda today was a marathon at Flat Rock Ranch in nearby Comfort. Stunning hill country views and great single track makes Flat Rock Ranch one of the premier courses in the state. Riders suffered through two and a half loops of the figure eight course for a total of 63 miles. Jeremiah Bishop and Gretchen Reeves took today's wins.

Time trial

Men
1. Geoff Kabush (Can) MAXXIS, 10:39.6
2. Trent Lowe (Aus) Yeti, at, 0:02.4
3. Adam Craig (USA), MAXXIS, 0:23.4
4. Jeremy Horgan-Kobelski (USA), 0:24.1
5. Chris Sheppard, (Can) Haro adidas, 0:24.3

Women
1. Alison Sydor, (Can) Rocky Mountain Business Objects, 12:27.5
2. Marie Helene-Premont, (Can) Rocky Mountain Business Objects, at 0:12.1
3. Shonny Vanlandingham (USA) Luna, 0:18.4
4. Sue Haywood (USA) Trek, 0:18.8
5. Willow Koerber, (USA), 0:19.4