Downhill Women
US mountain biking’s talent-famine was underlined at the weekend at the final round of their domestic NORBA series as Aussies, Canadians and even the odd Brit stole most of the podium places.

In order to take the NORBA Series, Tracy Moseley (Team Kona) needed to win the final Mount Snow event, and title-rival Sabrina Jonnier (Intense) finish no better than seventh. Tracy qualified conservatively on the long, rocky course, while Jonnier scored second to commence the psychological battle. But qualifying is only qualifying, and Moseley took 17-seconds off that time to take the win from Jonnier and Missy Giove (Global Racing).

The day belonged to Moseley, but with a solid second-place, the series belonged to Jonnier; a worthy testament to her all-round ability. These two could well be scrapping over podium positions at the World’s in two weeks time.

1. Tracy Moseley – Team Kona
2. Sabrina Jonnier – Intense
3. Missy Giove – Global Racing

Overall
Sabrina Jonnier – Intense

NORBA US
Lisa Sher – Chumba Wumba

Downhill Men
In the Men’s event there were several battles being waged: the overall title between 2001 winner, John Kirkaldie (Maxxis), and Chris Kovarik (Intense); the US title between Colin Bailey (Maxxis), Myles Rockwell (Giant) and Eric Carter (Mongoose/Hyundai); and, of course, the on-the-day honours.

Kirkaldie’s day began badly when he punctured in qualifying, leaving him stricken among the slower starters being set off at 30-second intervals. As he entered the course’s trademark feature, Yard Sale – a 50 percent slot through rocks and roots and swamped by 3,000 baying fans – in his final run, he found around half a dozen crashed riders in his way. With nowhere to go, he tried to jump over a slower rider (!) but struck him in mid-flight.

“We both kept it up somehow,” said Kirkaldie. “I had to brake a bit, so it cost me about a send and a half, but I wouldn’t have won.” He posted 4:05, which although not a winning time, was faster than the next 48 finishers.

Following a crash in the SoBe Mountain Cross that had left him mildly concussed, Eric Carter took to the start line against doctor’s orders. With blurred vision in one eye, he rode “conservatively” to take 14th position. Of the other rivals, Bailey flatted, and Rockwell, in the last race of his Pro career, lost time on a loose section to end up 9th on the day.

Meanwhile, Dustin Adams (Giant), continued his rise to stardom with a 4:04 to assume the hotseat. Next rider down was Kovarik, who after much promise and yo-yoing fortune, looked to secure a title to show for his talent, emerged onto Yard Sale walking his bike with a taco’ed rear wheel.

Mick Hannah (Haro/Lee Dungarees) was next down the hill, showing the course little respect in his usual aggressive style. He crossed the line in 4:02 with two riders remaining.

The next of these two riders was yet another Aussie phenom, John Waddell (Sun Race/Santa Cruz). He stopped the clock on 4:00 dead, to takeover the lead. Finally, top qualifier Kirt Vories (Haro/Lee Dungarees), came down the hill, but lost control and handed the win over to the 22 year-old Aussie.

“This is as big as it gets, winning the NORBA finals at Mount Snow,” said Waddell, as surprised by any by his flamboyant finish to the season.

1. John Waddell – Sun Race/Santa Cruz
2. Mick Hannah – Haro/Lee Dungarees
3. Dustin Adams – Giant Bicycles

Overall
John Kirkaldie – Maxxis

NORBA US
Eric Carter – Mongoose/Hyundai