JHK, Dunlap claim Cross-Country crowns
 JHK made his decisive move in lap two. |
The men’s race was highlighted by 2004 Olympians Jeremy Horgan-Kobelski and Todd Wells (Durango, Colo.) as well as Ryan Trebon (Corvallis, Ore.) and Travis Brown (Boulder, Colo.) – who were the top two Americans in the 2004 NORBA National Cross-Country series standings after the finals in Durango last month.
Horgan-Kobelski, Trebon, and Craig formed a gap on the rest of the field almost from the gun. After making the climb up the kamikaze downhill, the three leaders were about 15 seconds in front of Wells, Anthony Colby (Durango, Colo.) and Neil Shirley (Calif.). As the racers made their way into the start/finish area at the end of the first lap, Trebon had been dropped by Horgan-Kobelski and Craig who were increasing their lead substantially. Carl Decker (Bend, Ore.) had worked his way into third position, and was riding all by himself in pursuit of the two leaders. Trebon and Todd Wells were working together in fourth and fifth, 15 seconds behind Decker.
Lap two saw Horgan-Kobelski make his decisive move, as he attacked and gained a 25 second lead over Craig, while Decker still chased in third. Todd Wells, Jay Henry (Avon, Colo.), Neil Shirley, and Eric Jones (Salt Lake City, Utah) made up the chase pack that would fight it out for the final podium spots in the final lap. An incredible effort put forth by 49-year-old Ned Overend almost allowed him to bridge up to the chase pack.
Horgan-Kobelski held onto his commanding lead all the way to the end, while Craig took the silver and Decker claimed the bronze. Eric Jones won the race of the final podium contenders with a career effort putting him in fourth place, while Neil Shirley posted a surprising podium finish in fifth.
 Dunlap took over the lead from Koerber in the first lap. |
Irmiger had an amazing ride this afternoon, proving that she has become stronger and stronger all season. At the end of lap one, Marks-Marino and Dunlap were working together in the front, while Haywood, Koerber, and Irmiger were only 10 seconds back. Kelli Emmett (Colorado Springs, Colo.) and Kerry Barnholt (Boulder, Colo.) fought to keep the pace and bridge up to the three chasers.
The second and final lap for the women witnessed the leaders stay in the same positions. Dunlap crossed the line first to earn yet another stars and stripes jersey, while Marks-Marino finished second with a career ride. Haywood took the bronze, while Irmiger had a break-out performance in fourth, and Koerber finished a successful season in fifth. The women's race was close, as the top five racers finished within 30 seconds of each other.
Men’s Cross-Country Results
1. Jeremy Horgan-Kobelski
2. Adam Craig
3. Carl Decker
4. Eric Jones
5. Neil Shirley
Women’s Cross-Country Results
1. Alison Dunlap
2. Dara Marks-Marino
3. Sue Haywood
4. Heather Irmiger
5. Willow Koerber
On the agenda for tomorrow is the kamikaze downhill as well as the observed trials national championships for all categories. The Super D contests and the pro mountain cross finals will also highlight the afternoon.
This Article Published September 24, 2004 For more information contact:
