Maxxis ESC has been racing Diamond Hill on and off since 2017 and it's become a favorite among all the Enduro venues we visit each year. From quartz mine to ski area to mountain bike destination, this place has seen quite the transformation over the years. What can a 350 foot hill in the smallest US state offer mountain bikers? Rolling, rocky terrain with enough speed and technical lines to challenge even the most seasoned racers. The miles don't come easy here, as even the "downhill" trails will surprise you with a punchy pedal out of nowhere. It's the perfect place to test whether or not you did a good job training over the winter before moving on to larger venues.
It's obvious that those who chose to sit last year out due to Covid restrictions are rearing to get back out there with their racing buddies, over 300 registered racers and smiles ear to ear all weekend. In the Pro classes Matt Sebas was able to clinch his second win, which coincidentally came here just seven months ago, and Sarah Howerter battled to prove why she came out on top in the overall last season. With a mix of familiar faces back in the pits as well as new ones trying XC and Ebike racing, race season in the Northeast is off to a great start.
Racing kicked off on Saturday morning with the very first GT Bicycles ESC Junior XC Challenge. There were racers from U10 all the way up to 17-18. Check out the full results here and tell a friend to bring their kids to the next one at Thunder Mountain July 10th!
Wild Ones racer Charles Jarm puts down the watts on the hill climb, he would finish third for the 11-13 year old boys.
Nathaniel Gervez, racing for Rhino Bike Works, makes quick work of the steep drop back into the bottom half of the course. He would go fastest all eight laps and take the 14-15 Boys class win.
After some rain earlier in the week, the Rhode Island dirt is running tacky and prime.
We know how much you all loved watching Chris' virtual riders meeting videos last season, but it's nice to see your smiling faces on race day morning again.
After a year off racing, Bassil Silver is stoked to be back between the tape. Also, huge shout out to Chris Nichols (right) who helped make this event a reality, his love for the local riding community is unmatched.
Stages 1 and 2 were on the same side of the road as registration, about a 350 foot vertical transfer to the top of Diamond Hill. Larry Sereduck got a bit of a break on the uphills by entering the new Motorex Ebike class, check out the 2021 schedule at the bottom of the page to join us next time.
Flat Tire Defender Super Stage winners, including our two fastest amateurs, Chelsea Crooke and Ryan Bigham.
Storr's Center Cycle rider Adam Wesolowski blasts through the rock garden at the top of Stage 2, he would finish fourth in the Pro men's class.
Maxxis ESC Official Sweeper Vicki Koch charging down the side of Diamond Hill.
After completing the first two stages racers would pedal about a mile to Stage 3, although most of it was paved so the transfer wasn't too bad. Zachary Siegel floats over the rocks near the top of the stage, earning sixth in his first Pro class race.
Outer Limits Cycles rider Brennan Delphia stoked as heck on ninth place in the crazy competitive 30-39 men's class.
Bike racing is a cruel but rewarding game. Train and prepare all you want, a dropped chain could ruin your shot at a podium result.
Classic New England stone wall sends on Stage 3 from local Sam Poirier. He would collect a pair of stage wins on his way to third place for the 21-29 Men.
Our friends at Fox are back again with their Transfer Seatpost Climbers' Challenge, rewarding racers for their effort on the pedals. This weekend's battleground was the singletrack transfer between Stages 3 & 4.
The fastest climbers from each class with their Fox swag, they must have been hitting the stationary trainer over the winter.
With 64 racers in the 30-39 men's class this weekend, you've got to be pinned to even crack the top 20. Daniel Kocotas finished 11th at his first Maxxis ESC race.
Stage 4 ended with a sizeable roller and a short sprint to the chip out. Greys Bike Co. rider Khristian Charpentier lets it roll into second place for the 21-29 Men.
David Canavan was a bit early for Taco Tuesday.
Bottom of the last stage, perfect place for a sketchy rock roller and plenty of spectators. Lucas DeDora opts for the high line and carries speed to win the U15 boys class. Amateur women's class winner Chelsea Crooke handles the low line that defeated many riders.
Competitive Edge Racing's Saben Rossi notched a stage win on his way to third place in the Pro men's class.
If you hear rumors of gaps being attempted on practice day, it's usually by Max Beaupre. Speed and style combined to earn him second place, 13 seconds shy of the win.
Matt Sebas earned his first Pro win here in September, he was able to roll smooth and fast on race day to reach the top step with a final race time of 10:28.7. "Race went completely to plan! I took lots of time to study the stages in practice and was really chilled out with Busta Rhymes on repeat in my head. I knew the uphill parts on 4 and 5 were where to make time so I just stood up in a high gear and mashed it. This is maybe my 5th ride this year that wasn't on my single speed hardtail so I owe the legs to that! DH terrain very similar to my local trails so I generally feel at home here and the grassroots local park vibe is super chill. Can't wait for some night racing in a few weeks!"
Pro Men: 4th - Adam Wesolowski, 2nd - Max Beaupre, 1st - Matt Sebas, 3rd - Saben Rossi, 5th - Chris Miller
Kristine Contento Angell had a consistent day through all five stages, piloting her Juliana to third place for the Pro Women.
Exeter Cycles rider Lauren Breza is on pace right out of the gate this season, two stage wins and just 9.1 seconds off the win.
Picking up right where she left off in October, 2020 Pro ladies champion Sarah Howerter secured the win with a final race time of 12:53. "I've never been great at getting good results early-season, but showing up to the first race of 2021, the energy and stoke was so high. I was too excited to be back racing and hanging with everyone to be nervous, which I think helped me on race day. The stages were really fun, but challenging with some serious pedaling that I did not feel ready for after a long winter off the bike. I am beyond stoked to have pulled off a win, even with one big midday impact with a tree, and am even more amped for the rest of the race season now."
Pro Women: 4th - Clarissa Finks, 2nd - Lauren Breza, 1st - Sarah Howerter, 3rd - Kristine Contento Angell, 5th - Kale Cushman
Thank you to everyone who came out to race or spectate this weekend, we'll see you at the next one! Stay tuned to the Maxxis ESC social media pages for all the latest info on registration and future events.
Words and photos: Andrew Santoro
Video: Jason Scheiding
Full Results
Easternstatescup.com
2021 MAXXIS ESC SCHEDULE
MAXXIS ESC INTENSE DOWNHILL SERIES
May 23 Powder Ridge, CT
June 27 Blue Mountain, PA
July 11 Thunder Mountain, MA
July 25 Windham, NY
Aug 29 Blue Mountain, PA
Sept 12 Sugarloaf, ME
Sept 26 Jiminy Peak, MA
Oct 3 Powder Ridge, CT
Oct 24 Mountain Creek, NJ - Series Finals
MAXXIS ESC ENDURO SERIES
May 2 Diamond Hill, RI
May 22 Powder Ridge, CT - Outbound Lighting Night Enduro
June 6 Glen Park, PA
July 11 Thunder Mountain, MA
Aug 22 Arrowhead Recreation Area, NH - EWS Gold Qualifier
Aug 29 Blue Mountain, PA N
Sept 12 Sugarloaf, ME - EWS Gold Qualifier
Sept 26 Jiminy Peak, MA - EWS Gold Qualifier
Oct 2 Powder Ridge, CT - Outbound Lighting Night Enduro
Oct 17 Mountain Creek, NJ - Series Finals
MOTOREX EBIKE ENDURO SERIES
May 2 Diamond Hill, RI
May 22 Powder Ridge, CT
June 6 Glen Park, PA
July 11 Thunder Mountain, MA
Aug 22 Arrowhead, NH
Sept 12 Sugarloaf, ME
Oct 2 Powder Ridge, CT
BOX COMPONENTS SHOWDOWN SERIES
May 22 Powder Ridge, CT
July 11 Thunder Mountain, MA
Aug 29 Blue Mountain, PA
Sept 12 Sugarloaf, ME
Sept 26 Jiminy Peak, MA
Oct 2 Powder Ridge, CT
GT BICYCLES JUNIOR XC CHALLENGE
May 1 Diamond Hill, RI - XC
July 10 Thunder Mountain, MA - XC
GT BICYCLES EAST COAST JUNIOR MTB CHAMPIONSHIPS
Aug 14-15 Blue Mountain, PA - DH - DS - XC - Enduro
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We apologize to all for this error.
I'm only kidding.
Funny thing is, Maxxis is a Company out of GA!
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