Kenda Cup West #5 - Santa Ynez Valley Classic - NE

Santa Ynez, Los Olivos, California, USA, April 25-26, 2009

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Race 2 - April 25: Super D

Bierman wins on the flat

By Dave McElwaine in Santa Ynez

Eric Bierman (Steven KS)
Photo ©: Dave McElwaine

Despite having to back off his effort on the windy top section of the Super D course, Eric Bierman (Steven KS) created his margin of victory on the flat half-mile run into the finish. Jordan Lopez (WTB/Santa Cruz) was second, and Matthew Connors (Fisher 29er) was third.

Bierman does endurance training by riding his mountain bike with knobby tires on road rides with his buddies while they are riding road bikes. He credited both his Hutchinson tires and his 29er for helping him win.

"It's a really windy day, and it was just a matter of conserving some energy at the top," said Bierman after the win. "Luckily I had a carrot in front of me, Matthew Connors, who finished third. I just keep pushing, pushing, pushing and everything worked well."

Photography

For a thumbnail gallery of these images, click here

Images by Dave McElwaine/www.trailwatch.net

Racers started near the top of this steep hill and rounded off-camber singletrack.
This dog found some tasty cow bones on the trail.
The Santa Ynez course is gorgeous this year.
Racers cross the plateau at the top of the course.
Matthew Conners (Fisher 29er) sets a blistering pace.
Eric Bierman (Steven KS) comes out of a tree section on the course.
Eric Bierman (Steven KS) on his way to victory in the elite men's race.
Jorgan Lopez (WTB) rides to a second place finish.
Derek Herman (Bear Valley) rides to fourth place.
Bryce Semonian races to third place in the junior men's race.
Michael Suggs races to victory in the junior race.
Racers face quite a bit of off camber trail.
Riding in the tall grass
There were a few spots where racers had to duck.
Steve Marshall races to fifth in the 19-29 race.
Matthew Conners on the bottom of the course.
Dustin Billingham races to fourth place in the 19-29 race.
Dan Neilsen races to third place in the 19-29 race.
Chris Thibodeau wins the men's 19-29 race.
Wiliam Jones races out of the saddle.
DJ Limardi rides an off camber trail.
Brian Crooks takes second place in the 19-29 race.
Ramses Vazquez in the grass
Eric Carter (GT) rides to fifth place in the elite men's race.
Eric Carter (GT) stripped seven pounds off his bike before the race.
Mitch Tolsen (Velo Pro) wins the 40-49 race.
Stephen Smith rides to second place in the 40-49 race.
Stephen Smith (L) and Mitch Tolsen are all smiles at the finish.
James Van Manen wins the 60+ race.
Women's podium: Vanessa Humic (Backbone) second, Lisa Crowe (Dons Bikes) first
Lisa Crowe (Don's Bikes) seemed elated with her win
Elite men's podium (L to R): Jordan Lopez (WTB) second, Eric Bierman (Steven KS) first, Matthew Conners (Fisher 29er) third

Results

Elite men
1 Eric Bierman (Steven K Sports)             7.20.3
2 Jordan Lopez (Wtb/Santa Cruz/Fox)          0.13.0
3 Matthew Connors (Fisher 29Er Crew)         0.15.1
4 Derek Hermon (Bear Valley Bikes)           0.22.6
5 Ray Storm (Pronghorn Racing)               0.27.1
6 Eric Carter (GT)                           0.39.9

Women

1 Lisa Crowe (Dons Bikes)                    8.47.5
2 Vanessa Humic (Backbone Adventure)         0.57.4

Junior men

1 Michael Suggs                              8.14.8
2 Casey Williams (Bear Valley Bikes)         0.09.8
3 Bryce Semonian (661/Spy Optics)            0.29.2

Senior men 19-29

1 Chris Thibodeau (Sierra Express Racing)    7.40.8
2 Brian Crooks (Pure Power Outhguard)        0.01.5
3 Dan Nielsen (Bear Valley Bikes)            0.22.2
4 Dustin Gillingham (Miracle Racing)         0.29.9
5 Stephen Marshall (Bear Valley Bikes)       0.34.5
6 D.J. Limardi (Velo Pro)                    1.02.7
7 Chris Wilson (E13/Royal Racing)            1.26.5
8 William Jones                              2.37.6
9 Mark Hasbun                                4.13.6

Master men 30-39

1 Brant Hatton (Kenda/Backbo)                8.02.5
2 Scott Harper                               0.04.2
3 Ramses Vazquez                             1.51.9
4 Michal Hastings (Hbh Racing)               1.54.6
5 Shane Scrimager                            2.05.5
6 Mark Nayler (Bear Valley Bikes)            2.34.2
7 Eric Hunter (Wrightwoodfilms)              2.38.6
8 Ryan Kelly                                 2.38.8

Master men 40-49

1 Mitch Tolson (Velo Pro)                    8.13.1
2 Stephen Smith (Team Mbs)                   0.00.6
3 Randy Rush (Backbone)                      0.25.7
4 Greg Turner (Westlake Cyclery)             0.37.1
5 Andrew Hart (Bear Valley Bikes)            0.42.6
6 Paul Horenberger (Stumpgrinder Bike)       1.19.9
7 Bryan Knox                                 3.23.3

Master men 50-59

1 Joe Fabris (Fightin Boba)                  8.33.2
2 Roger Lopez (Capitol Automatic)            0.00.8
3 Robert Meeker (Montrose Bike)              0.02.1
4 Steve Bertrand (Platinum Performance)      0.02.8
5 Ed Brown (Velo Pro)                        0.04.9
6 Rich Fersch (Race Haus)                    0.52.8
7 Jeffrey Harbison (Veloprocycle)            1.44.5
8 David Hess (Race Haus)                     2.04.9
DNF  Joe Fabris (Fightin Boba)                     

Master men 60+

1 James Van Manen                           15.47.8