RECENT WEATHER This could be fun. Earlier this week some 7 tornadoes plowed through Pennsylvania near Pittsburgh causing deaths, damage, flash floods and general chaos. Weight could be an issue this race if tornadoes come plucking riders off course. NORBA delegates have stated that riders will not be credited laps if they are picked up and dropped on a later part of the course. 50,000 people in the Pittsburgh area remained without power through Wednesday, 454 structures were damaged, 15 completely destroyed. Kip Mikler, the USA Cycling Communications Manager, has been sighted in lead boots and and SCUBA diving weight belt this week while venturing outside the media room at Seven Springs. When asked what the SCUBA mask was for he replied "screw you!"

Free Riding Rocks!

No little tornado is gonna stop round two of NORBA racing which returns to Seven Springs, Pennsylvania June 6-7th. The return to the tombstone and minefield of the downhill course, combined with the recent rains, should provide enough entertainment without tornadoes tossing riders about. The downhill course, which turned into a "mud bog" last year, has been extended, but maintains the "gnarl nooks." This year's cross country course has been shortened to five mile laps and twisted silly to allow for better spectator spazmodium.

The down time between World Cup races should also bring some top notch competition to the Allegheny Mountains for some East Coast crunch. Last year saw some 1,800 competitors with representatives from 48 states and seven foreign countries. Steve Larsen rode away with last year's cross country win and is coming off a disappointing flat that took him out of the running in round one at Big Bear. Look out for Larsen, he's on a mission of redemption. Alison Sydor might be stopping in as well to remind everyone about her supreme Seven Springs status.

Tammy Jaques

The downhillers will be coming in numbers and the mix should favor technical precision rather than power, but only race day will tell. Last year's queen, Mikki Douglas has retired and comrade Cali-girl Leigh Donovan is on track and is currently the World Cup points leader. Steve Peat pulled down a win here last year, but the fact remains that this year's World Cup and NORBA events have proven that on race day, anything can happen.

Oscar Saiz

This doesn't mean everyone here at Zone Central won't be gambling away our gear for our favorite riders. So, here's where my holdings went. Odds are 2 - 1 for Leigh Donovan so I'm putting two fat new knobby treads on Elke Brutsaert just because she's consistent and a set of grips and two digital video tapes on Sari Jorgenson. She's young, fearless and could be on a roll. I'm puttin' my fresh new Vans on Tomac and a six pack of Red, White and Blue on Palmer (who hasn't made a showing this year). The cross country favorite is Ruthie, but I'm bettin' my "Hi-Fi" computer speakers on Tammy Jaques for 1st, Ruthie Matthes 2nd and Leslie Tomlinson in 3rd. Marla Streb is my hero and it doesn't matter what she places. Kirk Molday is my big bet. He's got Epstein-Barr Virus, but still took fourth at Big Bear. My desk chair is up against my CFO's climbing shoes. This may sound like an uneven bet, but I fought hard for this throne and our new money man "borrows" it every time I stand up.

— Hans Prosl, betting his shoes on The Mountain Zone.