Geoff Kabush (Rocky Mountain/Maxxis) won the most recent round of the US Cup last weekend (Image credit: Dave McElwaine/trailwatch.net)
After last week's stop in Fontana, California, round three of Kenda US Cup West will head to Campo, California, near the Lake Morena County Park for the Sage Brush cross country on Sunday. After being ravaged by wild fires for the last few years, the venue is hosting its first cross country race since 2006. The course will be the complete opposite of the ones at the first two rounds, which were both in the heart of major urban areas.
Sid Taberlay (Sho-Air/Specialized) currently leads the men's points series after his first place at Bonelli Park and sixth place finish at last week's ProXCT round in Fontana. Taberlay is looking to keep his points lead over Kenda/Tomac/Hayes rider Andy Schultz. Canadian Geoff Kabush now sits in third place after his win last week out at Fontana. Taberlay will be bring two additional Sho-Air/Specialized teammates with him - Sam Jurekovic and Manny Prado - in hopes of protecting his overall lead. Prado is in fourth place in the series.
In the women's series, Sho-Air/Specialized's Melanie McQuaid has a scant five-point lead over Incycle rider Krista Park, followed by Amgen rider Natasha Hernday just another thirteen points back in third. With only five points separating McQuaid and Park, whoever comes out on top at the Sage Brush race will leave with the series lead going into the next round, Sea Otter.
Pros and category one mountain bikers will race 27 miles with 3,860 feet of climbing. Category 2/3 riders will race 18 miles with 2,765 feet of climbing. The Mt. Pino climb is expected to play a deciding role in the race.
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