Plattekill - New York State Championships

GROM Racer Lauren Daney Represents the Team in Plattekill
Race Report by Lauren Daney, 9/27/10

Last Weekend I traveled to Plattekill for the New York State Championship with friend Brian Yannuzzi. Practice day, we had beautiful weather and did numerous runs on the race course. The track was mostly smooth single track with a couple steep sections, and wide open grass. It was one of my favorite race courses ever ridden. Later that day we hung out by the campfire with some good friends. Race day the rider turn out wasn't so great but had a great run. I was the only pro woman with a time of 3:10 and Brian Yanuzzi took 2nd with a 2:38 missing first to Chris Higgerson by 2 seconds. Pro mens class had only 5 riders. After the race we took many runs with the Plattekill locals and George Ulmer. Had a great weekend :]

GROM Racers Podium at Plattekill

GROM racers, Sam Pensler and Lauren Daney, were able to attend the second race of the Pro Gravity Tour in Plattekill, New York, which was a junior world championship qualifier.  A top three finish is required at qualifying events in order to be eligible to make the U.S. National team.  Lauren took a hard spill on Saturday, but managed to race on Sunday and win her class.  She was the fastest amateur racer as well, nearly solidifying her spot on the junior world championship team.  Sam had a strong run and finished third in the CAT 1 junior men’s class.  He is definitely in contention to go to junior worlds and just needs to put together a solid run at the next qualifier in California.

Everyone’s equipment worked well this weekend; the Cane Creek Double Barrel rear shocks kept the bikes riding smooth, resulting in only the occasional sound of tires bouncing off of rocks.  Spectators and riders were amazed and commented on the quietness of the team bikes all weekend.  Both Sam and Lauren’s stellar riding form and technique caught the eye of famed mountain bike photographer, Ian Highland, resulting in two great shots of them getting posted on the popular mountain bike website, Pinkbike.  Excited about racing and the exposure the team has received, the coaches, riders and staff are all looking forward to a big event this coming weekend at the U.S. Open.

posting by Tim Price, GROM Assistant Coach