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The 2006 CCCX Mtn Bike Series resumes this coming June 4th, after a 8 week lay off, with races in all categories. This is the first race of three that lead to the series final and establishes "Series Champions", top placing in the series, and bragging rights on future group rides! The first four races of the year were highly competitive. Each race had great turn outs of talented mountain bike riders who challenged themselves and their equipment on the fun trails of Ft Ord. Here is a re-cap of the racing exploits and top riders in each division from the first four races of the year. Looking ahead, the final three races will be most likely be held on dry, fast conditions. And the courses will be varying in trails used, and distance pedaled, to mix up the action for Northern California Mtn Bike racers. Fox Racing Shox in conjunction with the CCCX race series will award a 650$ Fox Front Shox to the series winner in each of these divisions: Men Pro/Semi Pro, Expert Women, Sport Women, and Beginner Women. For the ladies this award is to further the development of female racing in Northern California and to honor their effort in athletic endeavors.

Series Report:

PRO/SEMI PRO MEN- The is one of the few divisions that has a rider who is undefeated in the first four races. And this talented rider also happens to have produced the fastest times in each four races overall. Legend Larry Hibbard(Family Cycling Center) came into the Mtn Bike season on fire and he never cooled off. He screamed to the fastest four times in the expert groups and showed that the "Mountain Man" still has what it takes to dominate races. Hibbard's largest margin of victory was over 4 minutes in a dominating ride at race #1. He also topped race #3 by a scant 2 seconds over fast riding Rob Anderson(Team Fralock) of Mill Valley. This shows that Hibbard can win the close victory, as well as a run away win. Hibbard looks to be the series MVP if he can keep his form thru the year, and he seems a lock for the 1st place FOX RACING SHOCK (600$ value) for the series win. Jason Rawles(Fox Racing Shox) has had a great Mtn Bike season and he has really stepped up his riding form over the past years. Rawles has proved he is a deserving Semi-Pro racer and holds a solid second position in the series points. Third in series points is the "Mighty Thor" Mark Howland(Black Market Racing) of Santa Cruz. Howland competed in three of the four races and his top finish was a 3rd place in race #3. Chris Burnham(Joselyn's) and Alex Smith(Team Sleep Deprived) are sitting 4th and 5th on points after taking part in two of the four races. Smith is a former Park Pre sponsored factory rider who chased the National Mtn Bike Championship many years ago. It is good to see Smith come out and test his fitness in the series. 13 racers have received points in this division.

EXPERT MEN 34 & UNDER- This fast racing group has come down to a three rider shoot out for the series title. Riding in the top spot after dropping their lowest score is High School Champion Nick Kintz(Joselyn's). Kintz was the winner of race #3 and was 2nd place in the season opener behind Road Race stud Dave Fuentes(CA. Peddler). Kintz has home field advantage on these trails as he trains in Ft ord often and develops his fitness with strong family backing. Greg Heinz(Bay Bikes) has found time to venture away from his studies at Cal Poly and throw it down on the trails in Ft Ord. Heinz has done his best to fly the Bay Bikes colors well and sits in 2nd place in the series after dropping his lowest score. Brent Carkeet(Scotts Valley Cycle Sport) has had some fine rides this season and sits 3rd in points only a single point behind Heinz after throwing out the lowest score of his total. Carkeet has been very consistent with his best finish being a solid 2nd place in race #4. Mark Faulkner(Joselyn's), Kurt Genshiner(Buy-Cell.com), and Chris Stehula of S.L.O, are next in the series point order. Fine riding Faulkner has the edge over the pair of Gensheiner and Stehula by a mere 5 points. Brian Sevall(Recovery/Carbon Boom/Granite) of Soledad also posted a win in the series taking race #2 with a tight 17 second win over the Bay Bikes sponsored Heinz. 19 racers have received points in this division.

EXPERT MEN 35-44- This division has had three different winners in the four races contested. Keith DeFiebre(Bay Bikes), Brock Dickie(Buy-Cell.com) and Tim Johnston(Father of 2) have all posted fine wins, with Johnston taking first place twice. It is Johnston who has been the most consistent rider of the bunch, and he sits first overall in series points due to his stellar riding ability. Brock Dickie missed race #1, but showed up at race #2 and has never been away from the front in his three rides in the series. Dickie had a nice win in race #4 after himself and Johnston broke away from a large group of riders and settled things amongst themselves. DeFiebre claimed the win in race #2 and sits third place in the series rankings after dropping the lowest score for the series. Myles Wadsworth(Family Cycling Center) has been very steady during all of the races and sits a solid 4th place in series rankings after dropping his lowest score of the four races. Wadsworth was gifted a placing in race #1 after doing incredible pulls and driving the pace considerably. Wadsworth's fine effort was rewarded with 3rd place in race #1, and he backed that up with a great 3rd place finish in race #3. There is quite a battle for the next placing as six riders are separated by just a few precious points after three of the four races are counted toward the final point total. Mike Morgan(Sycip) leads the way in this fast pack of riders with a 141 point total for 3 races counted. Dan Palermini(Superdawg/Topdog) has 138 points and is tied with Mike Holk(VT) who also has a 138 point total going into the final three races. Brian Kane riding out of Redwood City is next in order with a point total of 134. Then Scott Zarack(Black Watch) has a 133 point total. Next comes "Super" Shane Huntoon(Livermore Cyclery), a past Olympic hopeful, with 132 points. This six rider battle will not be settled until the final finishing flag is waved in the series final on July 2nd. 27 racers have received points in this division.

EXPERT MEN 45-54- This competitive division has had three different winners in the four races ran. Posting two of the wins was strong riding Brett Lambert(Scotts Valley Cycle Sport) taking races #2 and #4. Brad Williamson(Family Cycling Center) opened the year well taking first place in race #1, and he has never been out of the top three in all the races of the series for 2006. Tim Locke(MAKO/Galaxy Granola) showed up to race #3 from Alamo and smoked everyone taking the win by a solid 1:27. That was Locke's only appearance for the series in 2006. On a sad note, series favorite and past series winner in Cyclo-Cross as well as Mtn Biking, "The Daring" and "Dangerous" Scott "Dino" DeLaurentis(LGBRC/Specialized/Easton) has moved away down south migrating to San Diego. The "Dominating" DeLaurentis was looking to claim a top spot in the series, but it is possibly too far a commute to make the final three races coming from San Diego with gas prices being so costly. The muscular and solidly built DeLaurentis will be sorely missed as he was a dedicated CCCX racer. William Hall(LGBRC/Specialized/Easton) competed in three of the four early season races and had great rides to establish himself as a top five series finisher. Scott Martin(Bike Trip), Jason Tandeta(Team Wrong Way), and Rex Leirly out of Oakland are all poised to make a run at top five in the series standings after the final on July 2nd. 12 racers have received points in this division.

EXPERT MEN 55+- Southern San Francisco is being represented well be fine riding Gary Anghinetti(Penn Velo/Kenda). Anghinetti has showed his talents with 2 wins and 2 second place finishes in the four CCCX series races. The Penn Velo/Kenda rider opened up the year with first place finishes in race #1&2, and then found the second place position in races #3&4. Anghinetti has a solid grip on the series standings and seems to have found the fountain of youth in Mtn Bike racing. Richard Wadsworth(Family Cycling Center) is having a great Mtn Bike campaign for 2006 and he sits a comfortable second place in series rankings. Wadsworth shows that speed is part of the family heritage as son Myles Wadsworth follows in fathers footsteps by racing fast. Larry Broberg(Bicycle Trip) was the race winner at event #4 and sits in 3rd position for the series rankings. Bob Blatner(Bikes 4 Life) was the winner of race #3, taking a hard earned victory over Anghinetti and the boys by a 59 second margin. 5 racers have received points in this division.

EXPERT SINGLE SPEED- Team Joselyn's owns this competitive division with three of its riders holding down top positions in the series standings. Only Eric Ebberoth(Bay Bikes) has positioned himself to claim a top three position in the series standings. Ebberoth is a High School racer who has proved he is extremely fast and strong when it comes to racing a Mtn Bike. The series leader is talented Micah Mozel(Joselyn's) Mozel is 3 for 3 in single speed races, winning all three events he has enrolled in during the 2006 CCCX series. Mozel was the 2005 Single Speed division champion and he looks set to claim back to back series titles if his fine riding continues. Jeremy Loader(Joselyn's) has tasted 2nd place in CCCX races twice this year due to Mozel. If not for chain trouble in a few races Loader looked poised to claim top honors in at least one of the four events contested. Loader is incredibly strong and always seems to race well on the fun riding trails of Ft Ord. Scott Vogelmann(Joselyn's) is next in line of Joselyn's riders who has made their mark in this tuff "One Gear" division. Vogelmann looks set to take one of the top five placing at the end of the year if his riding continues to be strong. Strong pedaling Mike Donahue riding out of Los gatos was the only other rider to claim a 1st place finish in this division. Donohue always seems to be charging incredibly hard in his fixed gear set up. Pat Schott(Black Market Racing), and Michael Cantelobre(Team Wrong Way) have had fine rides in 2006 and in the end of the series should be battling for that coveted top 5 placing which garnishes awards after the event on July 2nd. Keith Packard of Livermore Cycles has also placed well during his few races contested during the 2006 CCCX series. 16 racers have received points in this division.

EXPERT WOMEN- This division is one of the few who are battling for a 650$ Fox Racing Front Shock that will be awarded to the series champion. So far in 2006 this division has been very competitive and there have been four separate winners in each of the four races ran. The winner of the series opener was Kathleen Bortolussi(Velo Bella) who sits a mere 2 points ahead of second place for series rankings after the lowest score is dropped. Bortolussi is very fit and will surely make a run at the series title with three races left to go in the 2006 series. Chasing Bortolussi literally is Beverly Chaney(Roaring Mouse Cycles) racing out of Carmel. Chaney was the winner of race #2 and was 2nd place in race #3 and also tasted 3rd place twice during the four race series. These consistent results shows Chaney's smooth riding style that produces outstanding results. Janel Lodge(Black Market Racing) is next in the point order and the battle for the expensive Fox Racing Shox and series championship. Lodge was the winner of race #3 and sits only 2 points ahead of Paula Bock(Garmin Motionbased) after the lowest score of the four races is eliminated. These four fast women are extremely strong and the series champion and winner of the Fox Racing Fork wont be decided until the final race. Emily Van Meter(Roaring Mouse Cycles) was the other winner of the four races for 2006 taking race #4. 10 racers have received points in this division.

SPORT MEN 34 & UNDER- This division is one of the most popular in the CCCX series and it boasts many strong and capable riders. This division has had three separate race winners in the four events. This shows that a rider really has to be on his game if he wants to take the Gold CCCX medal home. Race winners were Scott Ovos of Pleasanton, Spanish sensation Alejandro Martinez(Cal Giant Inc.), and two wins from Jeff Nichols of San Jose. Ovos, Vincent K Brown(Hwy 68 Hillbillies), Chris Sallen of Belmont, and Matt Leaonard(Team Wrong way) are the riders who have been most consistent in this division for 2006. These riders are poised to make a charge for the series title as the last three races take place. But as usual many riders will be challenging the top guys for top placing. So each rider must be on a good day if they are going to make a run at a series crown. Other riders who might also make a run for the top five in series standings at the end of the year are Danny McNaughton of Martinez, John Lukasko(Hwy 68 Hillbillies), Johnathon Clark(Bike Wave), Jason Clymer(LGBRC), Darrin Chamberlain(MAKO/Galaxy Granola), and Brian Denina(Mytropa.com). 43 racers have received points in this division.

SPORT MEN 35-44- For 2006 this Sport division is the most populated group of all the fields and each race it holds the most riders per race. Team Joselyn's has a strong hold on the series standings, but with the lowest score dropped from each riders total the series standings appear to be log jammed at the top. Chris Marsiguero(Joselyn's) and Peter Gilberd of San Francisco both have multiple wins in the series and looked locked into a top five finish for the year with three races remaining. Other Joselyn Bike Shop riders to place well are Alexander Rouch of King City and "Fast" Frank Pinto of Monterey and M.P.C. College Football fame. Bill Teur of Boulder Creek, Troy Doolittle(Top Dog Illustration), Bryan Arp(Beyond Limits), Greg Perkins(MPTC), Tim Simanski(Roaring Mouse Cycles), and Glen Cockwell(Labrador Construction) all are in a fine position to make a move for a top five finish in the series. Each of these riders is very strong and has raced very well so far this season. There are also a few riders with only three races entered who have a strong shot of taking home a series award after the lowest score of the four races so far has been dropped. These riders are John Kammeyer(Lapierre/Ritchey), Victor Furr(Livermore Cycles), Gary Wiley(Team Singletrax), and James Lopez of Marina. With three races remaining for the series anything can happen and will happen in this ultra competitive group. 71 racers have received points in this division.

SPORT MEN 45-54- This group has been very competitive for 2006 and the eventual series winner should be an all around rider who is fit, skillful, and determined minded to rise above the others. Berge Lokmagozian of Monterey took the win in race #1 and seems headed in the right direction for that series title. Yet Peter Sherrill(Mt Whitney Wheelworks), Dan Nelson(NTP Racing), and Dwight Goss(Redwood Riders) are right behind his lead and aiming for the top honor in the series. Other riders in this competitive group to compete outstanding this season are Bob Lofland(Team Wrong Way), David Beasley of Belmont, William Muir(SKAT), Rich Henthorn(Team Wrong Way), Robert Estrella(Joselyn's), Steve Elston of Capitola, Tom Jakaby of Los Gatos, Jim Beuselinck(Euro Imports/FLOSSAID), and Craig Clineof Redwood City. Larry Hampston(Newman's Own) only raced two times in the four races contested, but took 1st place both of those times. Martin Wolf(Newman's Own) was the race winner at race #2, giving Newman's Own race team three of the four race wins so far this 2006 season. With so many incredibly strong and talented riders in this division it is going to be a wild shoot out in the last three races of the series. 35 racers received points in this division.

SPORT MEN 55+- Brave hearted Bob Nanninga(Team Singletrax) is undefeated in three attempts in this division. Nanninga was first to the finish in races #2, #3, and #4. Chasing the cunning Nanninga are fine riding Ronald Riley(Team Santa Cruz/SCCCC), Joe Radoslovich(Coast Range Riders), John Silva(Rockville Bike Shop), and Mike Flynnperrault of Lafayette. These riders show that they have incredible determination and drive to compete give it a go each race. The big question looks to be if any of the riders can up end Nanninga and stop his undefeated run. 5 racers have received points in this division.

CLYDESDALE- Tor Roberts(MBRT/Don Chapin) ran off three consecutive wins to open his Mtn Bike campaign before skipping race #4. this puts the hard riding Roberts in command of the series after 3 scores of the four are counted toward the final. With 3 more races to go it will be interesting to see if Roberts can remain perfect for his efforts. Russell Carmick(Bike Route) has also posted a win in the series and has tasted second place twice during the 2006 races. Carmick will surely try his best to topple Roberts dominate run for perfection. Other big boys to ride well during the 2006 series have been Mike Colombani(Scotts Valley Cycle Sport), Chris Baker of Soquel, and Daymon Prewitt of Marina. Bernard Carroll of San Leandro has also had two nice finishes during the four race series. 9 racers have received points in this division.

SPORT SINGLE SPEED- This was a new group for the CCCX 2006 series and was formed due to the extreme popularity of Single Speed riding. Fixed gear racing requires a great set up with proper gearing selection as well as fitness and strength to negotiate the trails and hills. Leading the pack for 2006 so far is Max Hinckley(Bob Cat Bicycles). Hinckley posted three straight wins once his Single Speed legs got going in the right direction. Hinckley is the son of Keith Defiebre's old teacher "Mr.. Hinckley" from Stevenson School and his father rides his super cool motor cycle to the race to check on his son's progress. The elder Hinckley could only grade his son with a A+ as the junior Hinckley has rode to three straight triumphs in a row. Chasing Hinckley for series honors are strong riders such as Allan Sherlock(Team Wrong Way), Eric Thunstrom(Bike Trip/Team Santa Cruz), strong riding Gordan Martine(Winning Wheels Racing), Chip Lomas of San Jose, and tenacious Scott Calley(Winning Wheels Racing). Other riders to have two strong finishes out of the four races are Team Performance riders Michael Mann and Alf Ebberoth, David Vogel(Webcor/Alto Velo), and Nathan Forstell of Seaside. 22 racers have received points in this division.

SPORT WOMEN- This is one of three divisions in the CCCX series to feature a undefeated rider in the four races for 2006. Birgit Johnston(Mother of 2) has thrown it down on the rest of the ladies in this group dominating all four of her races. Her largest margin of victory was a whopping 5:42 while her smallest margin back to 2nd place was 3:30. This domination has left the other ladies scratching their heads wondering what they must do to simply keep the fast riding Johnston in the same area code at the finish. Johnston looks to be vying for series MVP honors and the sweet 650$ Fox Racing Fork if she keeps up her fine riding. The rest of the ladies have a extremely tight battle going on for the top five positions that receive honors at the end of the season. Stacey Palermini(Top Dog Illustration), Henrietta Stern(Hot Flash Chicks), Jesse May Campbell of Monterey, Velo Bella riders Julie Starling and Daphne Hodgson, and Meredith Evans(My Husband) all have three fine finishes for the year. These riders look ready to rumble in the final three races left in the 2006 series to decide the elusive top five places in the end. 20 racers have received points in this division.

BEGINNER MEN 19-34- This division has had many racers take part in the races for 2006, yet the top five positions which will receive a overall series award is still wide open. Only two riders have posted a three race total which is the max races counted towards final point total so far. With three more races remaining any number of racers could move into the top five at series end where six of the seven races in the series, including the final, are counted toward overall series point totals. Gerardo Ceda(Marina Cycle & Skate) has been the top rider in this group taking home two gold medals in his four attempts at glory. Nathan Wood of Salinas is the only other rider in this group to have posted 3 finishes so far in 2006. Wood should be able to continue his good form and end up high in points at the end of the year. Other riders with two high finishes are Jason Desper of Salinas, Kenny Heese(Marina Cycle & Skate), Mark Engen of Monterey, Auggie Timbol of San Jose, Brian Griffin of Del Rey Oaks, and Josh Sorci of Marina. 25 racers have received points in this division.

BEGINNER MEN 35-44- This is a division that has many racers eligible for the series top five and the battle looks to not be settled until the final race. Mark Molchan(Trey's True Wheels) has been the alpha-wolf dominate individual in this group for 2006. Molchan, riding out of Marina, has two wins on the year and had never been out of the top three in four finishes. His medal collection must be getting larger and larger as each race passes. "Jamin" John Gamble of Seaside is next in order of strong riders, and his consistency during 2006 has lead to three 2nd place finishes on the year. Thomas Hogye(Scotts Valley Cycle Sport) had great success in 2006 so far, and has never been out of the top four finishers in the four race he competed in. Vincent Loh of El Cerrito and Roger Monroe of Salinas have also placed in a high position in each of the four races during the early part of the 2006 CCCX series. Riders with three strong placing out of four races are Gary Veselka(Bobcat Bicycles), Gregory Chilton of Salinas, Jeff McGrath(The Western Stage), Sebastian Praly of Ben Lomond, and Peter Catalano of Felton. Mathew O Jackson of Stanford is one of the other hot riders in this division winning races #2 and #3 by solid margins. 37 racers have received points in this division.

BEGINNING MEN 45+- There have been four different winners in the four races contested in this division. Race winners were Martin Wolf, Martin Robles of Carmel, Brian Birch(Montano Velo), and Rick Gonzales(Team Performance). The most consistent rider in this group for the series is by far Curtis Colaw(TROGS). Colaw has never been out of the medals in four races and he is riding toward a series championship with his great skills leading the way. Kent Littlehale of Saratoga has had 3 solid rides and his three race total puts him next in order on the point board. Dan Chollet(Captain Kana) has proven that his ability and desire will guide him to a top placing for the series, Chollet has collected consistent finishes during each of the four races in 2006. John Paul Vierra-McEldowney(Cool Cycling) has been a very cool individual driving all the way down from Cool Ca. to take part in the CCCX series. For his efforts the cool riding Vierra-McEldowney has had three great results. J.L. DeJong of Cupertino and Raymond Sukys of Orinda are also in order to make a dash for a top five series finish with three races remaining. 26 racers have received points in this division.

JUNIOR BOYS 14-18- This division has witnessed nearly 50 Junior Boys competing and riding their mountain bikes on the fun trails of Ft Ord. This group is very competitive and the final series order will not be decided until that final race to be held on July 2nd. there have been three different winners in the four race contested. Jeremy Blalock(Joselyn's) has won twice while Pierre Teplitxky(Cupertino High School) and Menso De Jong of Cupertino each have a win. Taylor Shamshoian(Scotts Valley Cycle Sport) has been one of the Junior riders who shows he has a great future in bicycle racing. Shamshoian has been very consistent in each of his four races and looks to make a run at a top five series finish in points. Dylan MacDonald(Kirby High School) and Jack Fogelquist(Scotts Valley Cycle Sport) have also taken part in all four of the CCCX 2006 races and paced well in each event. Blalock seems to be in the drivers seat for a series title and all the other juniors could be left chasing the Monterey resident if he keeps his fine riding going and stays away from opening car doors. Declon Dillon(Syndicate), Tristian Littlehale(Syndicate), and Clayton Gjerstad(Scotts Valley Cycle Sport) each have raced in three of the four events with fine rides under their belts. 49 racers have received points in this division.

BEGINNER WOMEN- This division has been well attended and highly competitive. It is great to see so many female racers, and Fox Shox will be rewarding the top female racer in this group with a $650 Front Fork. At press time this division was one of the three divisions that have a undefeated rider in the CCCX 2006 series. Kristin Roberts(Monthly Cycle) is a perfect 4 for 4 in wins and looks to continue her outstanding riding in the final three races of the series. Roberts has incredible strength and solid Mtn Bike skills that have lead to her four wins. Michelle Monroe of Salinas has raced well in all four of the races during the series and is next in the point order. Monroe has placed 2nd twice to the hard charging Roberts in races #3 and #4. Ayshe Tuncer of Aptos and Gina Cole(Cal Giant inc. Mom) are both riders who have placed well in three of the four races that were held the past spring. These ladies look poised to make the top five in points for the series final. Elizabeth Cantu of Salinas, Pamela Kaull of Alameda, Amy Powell of Orinda, and Lorri Lee Lown(Velo Girls/Tri Flow) each have had two solid rides during the four races that have been held. 29 racers have received points in this division.

JUNIOR BOYS UNDER 13- Race winners in this up and comer division have been Ben Sukys of Orinda, Carl Dawson(Kirby High School), Jimmy Winne of Roseville, and Maximiliam Burkhardt(GBK). Burkhardt has a slight edge over Eli Riedl of Pacific Grove on the overall point count. Also placing well in all four races is fast riding Derik Thunstrom(Bike Trip/Team Santa Cruz). John Dawson of Santa Cruz and Carson Cole(Cal Giant Inc.) each have three excellent finishes out of four races that have taken place. Ray Mendoza(Bike Trip) and Jerome Riedl of Pacific Grove each have taken part in 2 of the 4 races with fine finishes. 24 racers have received points in this division.

JUNIOR GIRLS- There have been four separate winners in each of the four races for 2006. Winners were Lainey Aldridge(Harbor High School), Erin Rakoczy(Calvary Chapel High), Tania Lokmagozian of Monterey, and Jesse Blalock of Monterey. Lokmagozian has placed high in each of the four races during 2006 and her point total puts her tied with Blalock in the #1 series position after one race is dropped from the four races held. The final three races will determine the series winner in this talented group of female racers. Katy Kintz(Calvary Chapel High) also looks to make a move for high series honors as she has a new Trek Mtn Bike to speed around on in the trails of Ft Ord. 9 racers have received points in this division.

Report from

Dusty Downs
Cycle Sport International