Bishop, Dinkins win Hoo Ha!

Jeremiah Bishop and Jamie Dinkins won the fourth round of the US Cup East cross country at Massanutten on Sunday. Bishop beat Sam Koerber, who won yesterday's Super D, and Jeff Schalk. Dinkins finished ahead of Anina Aaron and Jane Pearsons.

"I never went so fast down that mountain as I did today," said Bishop, who was racing on his home course.

"It was a tougher course than I thought," he said. "It was one of the most difficult courses I've done for a cross country. There were steep climbs, rocks and roots. It was also one of the best courses I can remember."

Schalk was fastest off the line and Travis Livermon was just behind him. Bishop sat in third and then made a move to jump into the first singletrack section first. He soon opened a gap, that he would extend until the finish. Bishop never saw anyone the rest of the race as he rode his unique bike with a 650 B (27.5") front wheel and 26" rear wheel. He had about an eight-minute advantage at the finish.

Behind Bishop, Koerber and Schalk chased. Thomas Turner was not far behind them, but a wheel problem derailled his chances. Harlan Price was in fourth, but took a wrong turn and lost positions and time.

In the end, Koerber finished ahead of Schalk, who noted that he busted his front derailler during the race and could shift into a gear lower than his middle ring up front.

Livermon ended up third and Price rode his way back into fifth.

Race notes:

- The event and participating IMBA-affiliated teams raised over US$17,000.

- Retired pro Sue Haywood won the women's XXC race (double cross country).