2013 Pro GRT Round 1 Bootleg Canyon

USA Cycling’s first Pro GRT of the 2013 racing season is now one for the record books. This event was the largest turn out ever for a race at Bootleg Canyon. The Reaper Madness presented by the Whiteface Mountain Bike Park and title sponsor, Trek/Southridge Racing was the perfect example of how two promoters can work together for the overall good of the sport. Trek/Southridge Racing will be hosting the 2nd round of the Pro GRT at Fontana on March 30/31, presented by Intense Cycles. This season is off to a great start.

Once Reaper Madness registration closed, race organizers saw that 300 athletes were in attendance coming from 20 states and 2 countries. Temperatures for the weekend were in the mid to upper 80’s making for mid-summer like racing conditions. The start of this 2013 Pro GRT event was reminiscent of the “Old NORBA” days. Crowds were estimated to be well over 700. Yes, it was an elite DH race, but the whole event seemed to be equally festive. Categories were stacked and you had to be on your game to podium. Junior Experts were treated like elite pros at this race since they also had a seeding run, the pro course, increased release times of 1 minute instead of 30 seconds and also went 5 deep on the podium. It’s nice to see the future pros getting a taste of what the big boys and elite riders receive. The bottom of the DH course was very exciting with Bob Gnarly announcing the times and place as racers crossed the finish line. Even Downhill Mike sat in and joined Bob Gnarly for some personalized guest commentary.

The Fastest Junior Expert of the day was Cole Picchiottino from Trek/Southridge Racing with a time of 4.01.68. That time would have placed Cole in 11th place in the Men’s Pro field. Just behind Cole was Luca Cometti representing NEMA/NUKEPROOF, Galen Carter representing Transition Bikes, Matt Branney from MOTO E Factory Racing and Chase Nelson from Trek/Fly Racing.

The Pro Race was just spectacular with a mix of World Cup DH racers and Red Bull Rampage athletes. $2,500.00 was up for grabs with $600.00 for 1st, $300.00 for 2nd, $175.00 for 3rd, $100.00 for 4th and $75.00 for placing 5th. Equal cash pay outs for Pro Men and Women will happen at all Pro GRT Events this year. The top 3 also received the Elite Pro GRT medals.

In the Pro Women’s field was last year Pro GRT winner Jacqueline Harmony. Jackie rides for Team Harmony and Pivot Bikes and destroyed her field with a time of just 4.42.92. Coming in 2nd place, Christine Dern with her time of 5.27.85 and rides for BEE RAD RACING, 3rd place, Joy Martin in 5.29.87 from Vixen Racing, 4th place, Ana Rodriguez riding for Lake Town Bicycles in 5.33.19 and 5th place was Jackie Swider from Team Shredly/Team Bacon making it down the mountain in just 5.35.95.

The 1st in the Men’s Pro field to stay seated in the Hot Seat was Arthur Babcock with a time of 3.56.79. Arthur’s time ended up placing him in 6th place in a very elite pro field. This was good enough to keep Arthur in the hot seat while the next 30 or so pros finished. Top honors and the fastest time of the day went to KHS Factory Racing’s, Logan Bingelli. Logan was sporting the elite number 1(M) race plate and will continue his lead in the 2013 Pro GRT rankings. Coming in just .016 of a second off Logan was World Cup stand out, Aaron Gwin. Aaron’s time was 3.46.37 and rides for Specialized Racing. 3rd place was last year’s Reaper Madness winner, Mikey Sylvestri. This guy has tons of style and class which makes his sponsors, ARMA/EVIL just as stoked as Mikey. Placing 4th was Kyle Sangers from Kingston Ontario with a time of 3.53.1. Kyle rides for PerformX DH Team. Placing 5th was Kevin Aiello from KHS Factory Racing with a time of 3.54.83. Only 9 riders broke the 4 minute mark.

The Awards Ceremony wrapped up the 3 day long weekend with a touch of Reaper Madness flare, with announcer Bob Gnarly and guest commentator, Josh Bender calling out the awards. Full results can be found on www.downhillmike.com