Cole And Leov Top Ten At Sea Otter Classic, California
Cameron Cole (Christchurch) and Justin Leov (Dunedin) commenced their 2010 international schedules over the weekend at
the Sea Otter Classic in Monterey, California.
The Sea Otter Classic is widely regarded as being the US and European season opener and is traditionally well supported
by the cycling industry. All the big global MTB stars attend this multi-discipline event with their professional teams
for an early season competitive hit-out, and also to support what is often the first showing of new season equipment and
technology for their teams.
Cameron Cole and Justin Leov were with their Maxxis and Trek World Racing professional teams respectively, competing in
Sea Otter's downhill event. Downhill racing presented some of the driest, mildest and most windless conditions in recent
years. Eventual winner and current World Four Cross champion Jared Graves seeded early in the almost 150-rider strong
field, and powered the course setting an early lead with his his 2:04:7 run that wasn't bettered. Oceania Champion Cole
raced to 5th and Leov to 9th, giving both athletes a good indication of their fitness levels and off-season preparation
so early in the northern hemisphere season.
Sea Otter Downhill Results (brief)
1 Jared Graves (Yeti/Fox) 2:04.7; 2 Aaron Gwin (Yeti/Fox) +2.0sec; 3 Brian Lopes (Oakley) +2.3sec; 4 Mick Hannah (GT)
+2.7sec; 5 Cameron Cole (Maxxis) +2.9sec; 9 Justin Leov (Trek World Racing) +4.0sec
ENDS