Photo Report: Fast & Loose at the 2024 Sea Otter Dual Slalom
A fan favorite, the Sea Otter Classic Dual Slalom certainly delivered the Saturday afternoon entertainment the crowd was hoping for. In the wake of flying dust, afternoon light, and cold beers, riders left it all out on the course this weekend.
Built by Strait Acres, the course was a tricky one with tight turns, loose dirt, and the 'Canadian Crossing' that dashed the dreams of several racers. With only a little bit of carnage amongst the fast-paced races, energy was high amongst the crowd of athletes to close out one of the busiest days of the Sea Otter Classic.
On the women's side, 11x course champion Jill Kintner started things off strong making it all the way through the quarter-finals. A mistake in one lap let Martha Gill get ahead placing Kintner in third place. After beating Bailey Goldstone in the quarter-finals and Kintner in the semis, Gill went up against Rae Morrison in the final round and ended up on top for the day.
In the men's race, the course builder himself, Kyle Strait was taken out in the quarter-finals after several strong runs by Sam Blekinsop. Blekinsop and Nestoroff remained neck and neck until the end of the course when Nestoroff pulled ahead and advanced to finals. Mitch Ropelato and Cody Kelly went up against each other in quarters with Ropelato coming out ahead to face Bubba Warren in semis. Ultimately it was Ropelato and Nestoroff in the finals and both laps were close. In a burst of speed just before the finish line, Nestoroff took the win in a triumphant celebration.
You can find full results here.
Nik Nestoroff working his way to finals against Dakotah Norton
Amy Morrison and Mckenna Merten taking speed into one of the tougher turns of the course.
11x Dual Slalom champ Jill Kintner raced very well, despite taking bronze.
Martha Gill pulling ahead in every lap.
Rae Morrison being a dang good sport after taking second to Martha Gill in dual slalom.
Nik Nestoroff looks over his shoulder for Sam Blekinsop.
Ropelato came out on top in this crash and worked his way into second place.
Strait Acres himself Kyle Strait.
Luca Cometti went straight from racing to filming the finish line... that's dedication.
Nestoroff took gold in Elite Dual Slalom.
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10 Comments
- 13 0
tbubier
FL (Apr 22, 2024 at 9:30)
I knew Jill won Sea Slaughter DS a lot but had no idea it was ELEVEN times in a row! What a legend. Also way to go Martha. Well deserved!
- 9 0
Msolazzo
(Apr 22, 2024 at 9:55)
I dont see Kris Fox or Corey Walsh here...
- 3 0
Snfoilhat
(Apr 22, 2024 at 10:44)
Friday morning w/ cloudy skies and 100% humidity, the Canadian crossing was a mud flat before it dried out to become the dust pit on view here -- such a fun track! So many changes from moment to moment between supporting your weight and giving way
- 5 0
Evo6
FL (Apr 22, 2024 at 9:29)
I raced this years ago and had such a good time. This was the most fun part of sea otter for me.
- 1 0
suspended-flesh
FL (Apr 22, 2024 at 10:28)
Since Kyle took over the course design, things have gotten a lot spicier. Keith did a great job in his day but was hamstrung by county or site ordinances about importing or moving dirt.
- 3 0
davesc
(Apr 23, 2024 at 0:27)
This course was challenging but it wasn’t fun to ride. A lot of “it is what it is” comments in the expert and pro practice on Friday.
- 3 0
hohmskullkrishten
(Apr 22, 2024 at 10:03)
Race of the month! Full bike check of every bike tomorrow!
- 3 0
suspended-flesh
FL (Apr 22, 2024 at 16:54)
ARI Bikes take the Men's win.
- 1 2
bikesandfun
(Apr 22, 2024 at 23:20)
Tbh the track didn't look very good this year
- 3 1
suspended-flesh
FL (Apr 23, 2024 at 9:12)
It was a tough rain year with a giant bog in the middle that excavators got stuck in. The very top was up to par (not shown in photos)
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