How can we complain about the 2014 season? The weather has been pretty amazing, with creative race venues that have been fun and challenging. As the season progresses the camaraderie between all the teams keeps getting better. Despite a few mid season injuries the MadKats Racing team has still managed to be a threat to the overall standing in the Eastern State Cup.
Back in April, we launched our team roster along with our 2014 sponsors. Since then we have participated in lots of races on the East Coast. From Eastern States Cups, to Pro GRT's and even a World Cup. So there is no question that our season has been a busy one. With all three riders performing well its fair to say that we are satisfied with our results and are looking forward to whats to come.
A quick video of the team practicing for the Attitash Eastern States Cup. It's awesome to see how far each of them have come and how they have come together as a team:We adventure to some spectacular places, and the best part is that we don't have to get on a plane.
Renting a cabin in the deep woods can only mean one thing, best place to enjoy a hot cup off coffee in the morning.
Mountain creek in Vernon NJ has some amazing views. Not so dirty after all.
Plattekill Bike Park on one of its few blue bird days.
The MadKats Racing rig for 2014. Its one of the best bikes any of us have ever ridden. The all new Transition TR500 decked out with Fox suspension, Spank Spike bars, Spank Spike 28 wheels and Spank Spike stem, Onza tires and Marsh guards. We couldn't ask for a better set up so thanks to all our sponsors, you guys are awesome!
Onza. Ever heard them? If not you should look them up. Ours boys are on them by choice.
Let's take a look at how the individual athletes of MadKats Racing are doing this season. Alex McAndrew is one of most genuine hard working people on this planet. With a Mechanical engineering degree he is easily caught up in conversation about suspension, geometry and how to properly build a cable cam. He is a leader and a mentor to all his pears and is a great friend. This year Alex is having an amazing season to say the least. With minor injures Alex has been fortunate enough to ride his bike all over the world. From Cali to NY from VT to Austria. A few months ago Alex received word that he was accepted by to the US National team to race at the World Cup in Leogang Austria. So with little hesitation off to Austria he went.
Alex Showing off his 2014 Transition carbon Covert.
Alex's race jersey and number plate for Leogang.
As it was his First World Cup experience this was the trip of a life time for the small town kid, but was ready to take on whatever came his way.
WE are sop fortunate to call racing a profession. Great People, Beautiful Venues and, again Great People.
Time to try and qualify.
As much fun as Alex had, his qualifying run didn't go as planned. with an ankle injury from practice, he was unable to qualify for the World Cup but gained all the experience he needed to help him try again.
So when in one the most beautiful places in the world why not try and hit up some of the local trails and throw down some East Coast style for the camera.
Alex sending it to the finish at Windham To bad he couldn't race the World cCup due to unforeseeable circumstances.
The Windham World Cup track was a whole different ball game covered in mud.
Sometimes its good to practice flat corners in the parking lot. Its good fun and makes for fun photos.
Alex with his most recent podium. A 2nd place finish at the Sugarbush Eastern States Cup.
When Alex returned home he got back involved with one of his favorite part of being a professional; Coaching. Alex has been coaching local camps for years now and the kids love him.
Team rider Isaac Allaire has had an outstanding season. Moving up this season from JrX to Pro was a big step for the young gun. Knowing he had the fitness and the speed it was about l;earning how to dance the fine line between checkers and wreckers. It was apparent right from the beginning, Isaac was pushing himself, he was learning and he was progressing quick. But none of those things come without learning the hard way. Isaac started off the Pro GRT season at Mountain Creek with a big crash and a DNF. The Plattekill ProGRT found Isaac on another scorcher, after a small exit and re-entry of the course due to rules and regulations, Isaac was DQ'd. But not all is bad news. Isaac was able to learn from his mistakes and keep the tires on the ground of the next few races earning him points that would eventually put him in 3rd overall position, with his first ppodium being a win at the Attitash Eastern States Cup.
Isaac stoked on his first pro win
Isaac with some style points
Isaac has a keen eye for lines that might save a second.
Mud for days at Plattekill.
First time in the California sand.
Isaac taking the hot seat, waiting for the rest of the pro class to finish. Do you smell victory?
Our newest member of the team is young gun Ben Bodycoat. Ben is a quiet kid from Connecticut. He comes from a humble family with supportive parents who have backed Ben since day one. His Father George Bodycoat joins us at every race, helping out with setting up the pit, cooking amazing food and is always there for a good laugh. Ben doesn't need to be very vocal when it comes to riding. His talent speaks for itself. He has taken the Jr level by storm and is making his way to the pros. Ben took his best finish a week ago at Sugarbush in beating the Jr EX field by 13 seconds. That's just to give you an idea of where he is going. With some hard work, training and dedication Ben will be a kid to watch out for on the Pro level.
Alex and Ben Check out the cheese wedge just above Petey's plunge.
Ben Bodycoat putting some style in to the step down left hander.
Ben at Attitash
Ben taking the rough stuff like a champ
We feel pretty fortunate when it comes to the 2014 race season. We all have a passion for the sport and do what we can to stay involved, in shape and focused. As we get older our dreams tend to fade and without realizing those dreams they could creep away from you for good. But with the MadKats Racing program we strive to make those dreams live on and hopefully help those realize them before it's too late. All the of the boys are focused, ready and anxious to continue to race and reach the goal of representing the USA in future World Cups.
Back from injury and making it to the top, Ben has proved that he has what it takes to win the overall.
Alex and Isaac enjoying their time on the podium together as they go First and Third. Congrats boys! more where that came from.
Huge thanks to all our sponsors and everyone who made this season possible you guys are the life blood to helping us to what we love..
Do you guys get free xbox controllers too?!