Rockwell, Brutsaert Blast Downhill Seven Springs, PA: June 10-13, 1999 Myles Rockwell (USA, Giant) is the man this year. He decided to extend his career another season, after two years of injuries and bad luck had him doubting whether he still belonged in the crazy sport of downhilling. He hadn’t taken an NCS victory since 1995, when he won both Mammoth and Vail. Signing on to the modest Giant squad this season, however, caused something to click, and now he’s on a rampage. After an awesome ride in last week’s Nevegal WC race, Smyles came into 7 Springs relaxed and confident. It showed in the morning’s qualifying, when he beat out a world-class field (including Palmer, Saiz, Voreis and Peat) for the top spot in the finals.
Elke Brutsaert (USA, Schwinn/Toyota) – like Rockwell – is from Durango, and also stunned the NCS field when she repeated her win from round one in Big Bear. Elke topped last year’s Seven Springs winner Marla Streb (USA, Yeti) by 2.8 seconds, saying she just tried to ride a clean run through the heinous rock gardens of Pennsylvania. "I though I had a flat tire, but kept punching it and didn’t even look." As it turned out, her tire was fine, but the conditions made all of the top women think their tires were going flat. With huge boulders and sharp rocks all over this short 1.2-mile course, it’s no wonder. Seven Spring’s track is like an amusement park ride – short and sweet, but a nice compliment to the other NORBA courses.
Lopes, Giove win Dual Slalom
Under long shadows and perfect weather, Brian Lopes (USA, Volvo-Cannondale) beat out rival Mike King (USA, Haro) in the best of two final round of the men’s racing. Times were close on this well-groomed track, which featured hairpin turns and smooth transitions – making for great spectating. In the consolation round, newcomer Wade Bootes (USA, Trek Volkswagen) beat Pistol Pete Loncarevich (USA, Vans/Ironhorse) for third place in the consolation round.
So racing finally ended Sunday afternoon with some downhillers (like Lopes and Co.) wrestling in the pits and bunny-hopping guard rails, the traveling circus packing up to head for Cali-for-nia. The Zone will be in full effect at this world cup event, so check back here in a couple weeks for more fun MTB action.
Ari Cheren, working the stateside tour for MountainZone.com
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