Practice Report: Mountain Creek Spring National ProGRT 2019 by MCBP

Aaron Gwin was floating down the track today

The first day of practice got underway today in New Jersey for Mountain Creek's Spring National ProGRT. After a picture-perfect spring day yesterday for the track walk, today brought a mixed bag of weather, with both pro and amateur racers seeing equal doses of rain and sun during their practice sessions.

Mountain Creek's George Ryan was the mastermind behind this year's track. Seen here sending it through the trees at the top of the 99 chute.

A strong showing of top US females made their way to Jersey for the weekend. Seen above Camila Nogeuira of Colorado and current ProGRT female points leader, Caroline Washam, wearing the red number 1, make their way through the upper sections of the track.

The rock garden in lower 99 is one of the trickier parts of the track. Aaron Gwin takes a moment to scope some lines while Tim Prices dials in the high line.

Despite the anxieties of what the rain might do to track conditions, the two words heard most around the pits today were "Fast" & "Fun". The stoke on this year's course was definitely high from amateurs to World Cup racers alike. The Mountain Creek Trail Crüe described this year's track as a "Greatest Hits" course taking some of the best elements from previous ProGRT and US Open race courses.

KHS rider, Nik Nesteroff enjoying the new dirt in the new rhythm section of Lower Asylum.

Vermont's Mazie Hayden focused through the moto whoops section.

Many racers have nightmares of this techy root section from the 2017 US Open.

Neko Mulally navigating through the final rocks on Lower Ripper.

The Spring National continues tomorrow with seeding runs for the UCI Elite Pros, Domestic Pro/Open and Cat 1 Junior classes. The forecast is calling for full sun and more summer-like temperatures, which should see track conditions changing rapidly throughout the day as things dry out and set us up for some fast racing here in New Jersey.

Always one to bring the style, Dakota Norton with the casual T-Bog off the final step down jump.

Thank you to our sponsors who help to make this happen:
510
Dakine
Fly Racing
Motorex
Scott
Shimano
Red Bull
KIND

Follow Mountain Creek Bike Park on Instagram and Facebook for live updates tomorrow.

Words: Hugh Reynolds
Photos: Christoper Vanderyajt

Author Info:

MCBP

Member since Apr 26, 2012
62 articles

15 Comments

20 0

schwaaa31 (May 18, 2019 at 4:39)

That picture of Nik Nesteroff is on point. Mt Creek is so damn fun. They always put together great race courses

MCBP (May 18, 2019 at 7:17)

Thanks! We love have everyone here seeing what the real New Jersey is all about.

Dedward2 (May 18, 2019 at 14:00)

@dobermon: Rode the lift with Gwin yesterday...

kleinblake (May 19, 2019 at 0:32)

@Dedward2: I rode the lift with Stephen Walton last year. Highlight of my life.

andypav (May 18, 2019 at 7:41)

Cant wait to come ride here again in June. i haven't been there in about 3 years and that is super disappointing. race looks gnarly

spokeapparel (May 18, 2019 at 18:19)

Yeah Chris that Nesteroff pic.

Nfd538 (May 18, 2019 at 12:05)

Good weekend for this event, what's up Hugh ????

MCBP (May 18, 2019 at 17:52)

Heck yeah!

wallacem (May 18, 2019 at 9:16)

Agree. Sic pic of nik.

spaceofades FL (May 18, 2019 at 12:25)

Progurt

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