Sea Otter Classic - A Celebration
of Cycling 6-9th April 2006
The Kona Les Gets factory team descended upon Laguna Seca Raceway
to attend the Sea Otter Classic 2006 and arrived to clouds and rain
that remained through much of the week-end. Sunny California wasn't
so sunny and in the midst of record amounts of rain all the courses
were extremely muddy and challenging for both racers and mechanics.
The original four cross course literally washed down the hillside
and had to be rebuilt. We've launched a new portion of our website
to highlight races and other special events for Kona. Here's the
place to check out John Cowan's back flip or Tracy Mosely talking
about her runs of the day. We have some great video clips complete
with audio and photos that profile this year's event.
Check it out! http://www.konaworld.com/seaotter/sea_otter.htm
The Team had an excellent week-end topped by Tracy Moseley's 1st
place finish in the Downhill and 5th Place in the Gravity Omnium
Overall Standings. Current Downhill World Champion Fabien Barel
also continued his fine form with a 2nd place finish in the Downhill
and 4th in the Slalom for 6th overall in the Gravity Omnium Overall
Standings. Kamil Tatarkovic rode consistent to a nice Gravity Omnium
Overall 9th pace finish.
Clump Riders Paul Basagoitia and John Cowan put on a great show
despite very challenging and dangerous conditions. During the final
round the wind was kicking about 20k and the jumps were wet and
one landing was overlaid with carpet for traction. Paul pulled a
360 followed up with a smooth tail whip to take 3rd Place. Uncle
Krusty as they were calling the man John Cowan who spent all week-end
long fighting the mud to build the jumps for
the comp finished 5th.
The Kona Les Gets Factory Cross Country Team had a solid weekend
with the highlight being Kris Sneddon's fine 16th place in the XC
and also in the Overall Classification. Given this field was stacked
with World Cup Racers this shows Kris has ramped up his game. Barry
Wicks finished 25th and the new young gun Neal Kindree in at 32nd.
Ryan Trebon is fighting the lingering effects of mono and decided
to not compete in the XC rather than risk worsening his condition.
All in all it was a great week-end and a way to kick off the North
American Race Calendar and good to see all the Kona teams in one
spot. Full results for each individual stage can be found at http://www.seaotterclassic.com/2006/results_list.htm
Picture
Gallery
All photos courtesy of Gibby the Kona Lensman and copyright 2006
gibsonpictures.com. Thanks Gibby!
