Atypical of Beech Mountain, conditions on Friday were likely to only be a tease. Practice was 10:00am to 5:30pm and after a sunny and bone dry day, mother nature didn't blink an eye in sticking to her guns and bringing lots of rain at just about the strike of five o'clock. By that time, most everyone seemed to have their fill and were ready to call it a day. How long would the rain last, how dry would it get when it stopped and what was in store for seeding and race runs? Welp, I'd take the bet it wouldn't be the last of the mud and slop we'd see.
After each of the 18 riders had their chance, the fastest time of the day belonged to Mauricio Estrada Pulgarin/Defiant Racing with a 2:29.466, over Shane Leslie/Defiant Racing by 1.138 seconds. Pro Women would see Angelina Palermo with her first TQ in the Pro GRT series with a 3:28.470 in front of Caroline Washam who put down a run of 3:40.797. Junior's TQ would belong to Titus Nicholson over David Kahn by 1.2 seconds with a 2:36.520. Note to racers: the days seem to repeat themselves, sun all morning, mid-afternoon rain, stop, start repeat, sun all morning, rain mid-afternoon, stop, start, repeat. At this point it's consistent and predictable. We'll see how much tire choice becomes an issue on race day.
Race day Video courtesy of MountainBike Mania TVOfficial Full Results via USA Cycling
hereAfter round three of seven, as one would expect, there's been some movement in the overall Pro GRT series points. After his win this weekend, Bruce Klein moves into the top spot unseating Kiran McKinnon who falls four spots. Shane Leslie is in second, Logan Binggeli in third, again Kiran MacKinnon in fourth, and Austin Hackett Klaube in fifth. On the Women's side, Angelina moves up to the top spot in points, followed by Caroline Washam, Jill Kintner, Vaea Verbeeck, and Rachel Kelleher. No doubt the movement isn't over yet, as the last four races in the Pro GRT series are split across the US... two on the east coast and two out west. Next on the calendar is the Chile Challenge at Angel Fire, NM this coming weekend (June 23–25). Info can be found
here.Beech Mountain Bike Park mountain biking trails
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