2013 WIndrock Round 1 Race Report By GoJamMedia

Winter time is typically the time for either the dust to collect on your downhill gear, train in prep for the coming season, or hit the slopes with the board or skis. Hogwash! How about a two race series in one of the nastiest sets of trails in the SE? Why you ask? Why-a-not? In Windrock, TN there’s a core group of riders that come together almost every weekend and this would be the bunch that would answer the previous question with, “Because we can!” With a focus on keeping it “Grass Roots”, the trail of choice for round one would be Snakerock Trail with a slight twist making use of a section of Bedrock. Now Snakerock is probably the most tame trail that Windrock has to offer stretching about a mile over 959 feet of elevation, but it really never lets up. It constantly keeps you on your toes never giving you a second to relax…….. it really is what Downhill is supposed to be like.

Leading up the race the entire Southeast region went through three days of constant rain followed up by a about a half day of snow. Most expected trail conditions to be nothing but a mix of peanut butter and soup, but surprising other than the short stint on Bedrock into the natural drain of the valley, it was just about perfect. Not too dry with about 85 to 90% of the trail tacky like you want it. Mornings were a tad on the chilly side, it is Winter, but no signs of powder to be found, clear blue skys and temps in the mid to upper forty for two day’s worth of riding is really the perfect formula for an awesome race weekend.

Staying true to the concept of keeping it real, the crew decided to keep it to just two classes for the 30 riders that showed up. Not a big turnout you say, no matter, that was EXACTLY what the crew wanted. Low key, Grass Roots and lots of fun. Lining up was totally up to the riders, though most of the Open (Pro) class did choose to wait til the end of the pack. 29 Amateurs would lay down the best they could. In the end it was 3. Chris Fisher, 2. Jerry Mailloux and 1. Wes Childers. The Open class would come down to a battle two east coasters and one surprise west coaster attending school in KY. Kyle Grau (EC), JD Swaguen (WC), and Jay Fesperman (EC). Kyle ended up just missing Jay Fesperman's time by 0.7 sec and it would be JD taking the top spot by an impressive 13.2 sec over Fesperman (suffering from a crash on Bedrock) with a time of 3:33.60. There is no doubt for the final race in the Windrock Winter Series, the east coasters will be anxious to take the crown back from JD Swaguen.

Alex Ohman on his first event, “Our first event went really well. We had some beautiful weather with some world class competition and the racers laid down some FAST times. The weekend started out a little on the muddy side, but you can’t ask for a better race day than what we got. Everybody’s out here smiling and I don’t see anybody with anything less than a grin on their face. I couldn’t be happier!”

Next up for Alex Ohman and the crew? Back in a month for the last race of the series on February 17. And if you are going to come, bring your balls and your fitness as racers are in store for a treat…… a full run from the top of the world to the bottom, down Windmill trail. 1500+ feet of elevation, 2-ish miles of track, equals about a 10 minute ride (it’s not yet on Strava). A LONG RACE COURSE for sure!

Thanks to Clealan Watts for the shuttle, Alex Ohman for putting the effort forth to see this event come to life with some support the boys at the Trials Training Center (TTC) and lastly the event sponsors, Billy Goat Bikes and Red House Bikes. See you back in a month for the second and last race in the series on Feb 17.

Open: Results

1. JD Swanguen 3.33.60
2. Jay Fesperman 3.46.80
3. Kyle Grau 3.47.50
4. Eric Vest 4.01.10
5. Josh Patton 4.07.20
6. Sally Wilkinson 4.28.10
7. Colonel Clealan 4.28.40

Amateur: Results

1. Wes Childers 4.16.60
2. Jerry Mailloux 4.20.10
3. Chris Fisher 4.21.60
4. Geoff Boone 4.32.10
5. Brett Zook 4.40.70
6. Craig Fitzgerald 4.50.30
7. Wendell Hatton 4.51.90
8. Zach Miller 4.53.40
9. Troy Roberts 4.55.40
10. Andy Riche 4.55.60
11. Nathan Hoff 4.57.10
12. Michael Kane 4.59.20
13. Tom Robertson 5.07.00
14. Randy Simpson 5.11.40
15. Dave Raymond 5.29.20
16. Jeff Pane 5.33.70
17. Shawn Tyra 6.11.90
18. Phil Marsh 6.49.00
19. Enrique Gaona 7.13.20
20. Dave Fopp DNF
21. Zack Slaybaugh DNF
22. Ace Savarese DNF

Mikey Sylvestri Wins The 2013 Nevada State DH Championships

DRD’s Mikey Sylvestri won, for the second year in a row, the Nevada State Downhill Championships this past weekend at Bootleg Canyon, in Boulder City, Nevada.  On the rough, moon-like terrain of Bootleg Canyon, Mikey demolished the competition by nearly 5 seconds!
 
Mikey said, “I had a great time this weekend out in Bootleg!  I’m pretty pumped on my win there!  I felt strong and I knew all of the lines well, so I knew I was going to be competitive.  My qualifier went pretty smooth, & I knew I had it in me to finish on top for finals.  I’m just happy to start the season off with a win and focus on what’s ahead!”
 
Recently signing with the DRD Professional Race Team, Mikey has already shown that he’s a force to be reckoned with this season!

2013 Australian National Series Round 1 At Mount Buller

Under 19 Female:

1. Tegan Molloy 4.09.65

2. Danielle Beecroft 4.14.19 + 4.54

3. Elle Wale 5.33.05 + 1.18.86

Under 19 Male:

1. Thomas Crimmins 3.27.91

2. Dean Lucas 3.29.66 + 1.75

3. Luke Ellison 3.30.39 + 2.48

4. Aiden Varley 3.32.52 + 4.61

5. Ben Hill 3.34.01 + 6.10

Elite Female

1. Caronline Buchanan 4.06.42

2. Claire Buchar 4.07.14 + 0.72

3. Lisa Mathison 4.16.32 + 9.90

4. Madeline Taylor 4.23.80 + 17.38

5. Shelly Flood 4.42.75 + 36.33

Elite Male

1. Sam Hill 3.22.02

2. Chris Kovarik 3.23.68 + 1.66

3. Connor Fearon 3.24.08 + 2.06

4. Ben Cory 3.26.31 + 4.29

5. Graeme Mudd 3.27.66 +5.64

2013 DRD Team Announced

Escondido, CA (January 17, 2013) – Dean Racing Development (DRD) is proud to announce our factory downhill mountain bike race team for the 2013 season.  Team DRD will be comprised of an elite 3-person roster consisting of former US & Pro GRT Champion Cody Warren, as well as young & rising talents such as Mikey Sylvestri, & John Keep. The DRD team will be competing downhill and enduro disciplines in the USGP, Sea Otter Classic, US National Champs, Crankworx, select World Cups, World Championships & select Enduro specific events.
 
Cody Warren returns to the DRD team for his 3rd season.  As a veteran rider, Cody has a plethora of victories & titles under his belt.  Cody’s highly regarded resume will lead the team domestically as well as being a mentor to the younger riders.
 
“I’m pumped for another year with DRD,” stated Cody Warren.  “Racing the USGP’s is where I want to put my effort.  This team is the best program to tackle that series.  2013 is a new exciting year for DRD and I’m pumped to be a part of it.  The team is growing with experience and structure.  There are a couple of changes to the roster and sponsors that are going to make it an exciting year.”
 
Joining Cody will be 23 year old Mikey Sylvestri.  Touted as one of the most gifted US prospects in recent years, Mikey has shown glimpses of his talent, besting many of the world’s top racers at highly competitive events.
 
“I’m excited to be a part of the DRD program this year,” exclaimed an excited Mikey Sylvestri.  “Being a part of a strong and sound team is going to help me get to the next level of my racing career. I’m excited to race with my teammates Cody & John, and am anxious to work with my new team manager, Jeremiah Dylan Dean “
 
22 year old John Keep also joins the DRD program, but is a familiar face to the team.  John was an original founding member of the DRD program in 2010.  John has grown to be a competitive figure in southern California, & has his sights on a full national tour.
 
John Keep said, “2013 is going to be a great year for the DRD team. I’m excited to work with such a great group of guys.  Knowing that we have the best sponsors & products supporting us is such an asset for any rider who is looking to be competitive.”
 
The 2013 DRD team will see numerous improvements & changes, not only in personnel, but with sponsors as well.  A new title and frame sponsor will be named in the upcoming weeks.   Stay tuned for upcoming race reports, photos & videos from the newly redesigned DRD race team!

2013 Gravity East Series (GES) Changes

GES 2013 has gone through some minor re-organized management; the series is ready to move east coast gravity racing forward through its progressive program development

Changes:

Daniel McDonald, DHD Promotions & Gravity East Series Owner, long time gravity advocate and cycling promoter/consultant, due to the potential conflicts of interests following USA Cycling’s election of Mr. McDonald to “Gravity Race Director” position on USAC’s MTB Committee and due to his commitment to the Riders and the Committee some changes which were difficult to make, however Mr. McDonald feels the long time the series has been under his direction and the right decisions had to be made to maintain the GES rider and series integrity.

Mr. McDonald has licensed the “Gravity East Series” it’s name and logo for a minimum of two years to our very own well qualified 2012/2013 Race Director Mr. Joe Olivas of “Indie Marketing and Sales” whom will be President/Race Director and will handle ALL day to day business going into 2013/2014. Mr. McDonald remains as GES consultant and advisor to Joe Olivas.

Joe Olivas, 2012/2013/2014 President & Race Director, was also former Promotions Manager at Rollerblade USA, he has an extensive career in action sports industry category as well as experienced in grass roots events marketing and management. Long term experience in event logistics. Specializing in outside vendor management and trade show asset management. Many reasons we felt this is the best candidate, and one who will continue the GES vision.


Dieter Ward, remains GES Vice President and will continue to be available as a consultant to Race Director Joe Olivas and the GES Series as needed.
Dieter Ward who was former GES director from 2007-2008, although he will also be leaving day to day operations to participate/Support in the 2013 USABMX National and New Jersey Sate Series. He will also continue his work with Lars Tribus in creating synergy between MTB and BMX racers by hosting gated racing for mountain bikes at selected New Jersey BMX tracks and events.

Frank Endreson JR. , Assistant Race Director, Gravity East Series participant since 2008, Assistant Race Director for 2012 and will remain as Asst. Gravity Race Director for 2013, Mr. Endreson JR. is also Team Manager for “Team Femme Fatale”.

The Gravity East Series is set to charge into 2013 for its 7th downhill mountain bike race season! The series was started in 2007 to promote and showcase downhill racing, and racer talents on the east coast. Since that humble beginning it has grown to become one of the largest and longest running gravity racing series on the east coast offering riders an affordable, professionally run series with ever changing diverse competition, courses and venues.

"Maxxis is once again proud to be the Title Partner for the 2013 Gravity East Series,” said Aaron Chamberlain, Marketing Specialist at Maxxis International, USA. “We're excited to continue our partnership with the premier downhill race series on the East Coast."

Christoph Vogl, General Manager of Formula North America, says, “Formula is very excited to continue our partnership with the Gravity East Series in 2013! As the returning Presenting partner for the series, we are proud to work with such a proven and longstanding series.”

Focused on growing rider participation, with a commitment to the pro and amateur the GES offers a minimum of $1000.00 Pro purse at each race for a total of $6000 for the series, plus, a GES Finals Pro purse of $5000.00 and amateur prizing in excess of $20,000.00 for a total of over $31,000.00in cash and prizes for the series.

5/5/2013 -- Duryea Downhill, Reading, PA
6/2/2013 -- Mountain Creek Bike Park, Vernon, NJ
6/30/2013 -- Windham Mountain, Windham, NY
7/14/2013 -- Swain Resort, Swain, NY
7/28/2013 -- Oak Mountain, Speculator, NY
8/17/2013 -- Blue Mountain, Palmerton, PA
Dates TBA -- Seven Springs Resort, Seven Springs, PA