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Red Bull Leader Tread’s Wade Young has claimed victory at round three of the FIM Hard Enduro World Championship in Serbia.
DEPARTMENTS
photo by Predrag Vuckovic // Red Bull Content Pool
Observing the Trials and Enduro community with a single-track mind.
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hydration for dirt bikers & the importance of electrolytes
Texas has already started having 100 degree days. It’s the kind of heat that keeps you inside your insulated dwelling, afraid to leave the reach of an overworked AC and ludicrous speed ceiling fans. If you’re riding during Texas summers, you’re up well before the sun, and hitting the trail as soon as the sunrise allows.
These circumstances had me thinking about hydration. It’s extremely important when riding in these conditions that we hydrate properly. Hydration though isn’t just about drinking water. When we’re riding, the liquids, minerals and electrolytes that drip off our body are there to cool our skin, in turn cooling our core body temperature. We need to constantly replenish what we’re losing.
words BRIAN PIERCE // SEAT TIME
WHAT TO KNOW ABOUT ELECTROLYTES
Sweat rates per individual vary for a variety of reasons. For our purposes, let’s say a rider averages a sweat rate of 1-1.5 liters per hour. So, a two hour ride through the woods might have a rider’s sweat loss at 2-3 liters.
As we lose water and electrolytes while riding, we need to eat foods, or utilize electrolyte supplements, to replenish what we’ve lost in sweat.
Sodium helps us retain fluid and with nerve function. On average, we lose 1000 mg of sodium per liter of sweat, resulting in a loss of 2000 –3000 mg on a 2 hour ride.
Potassium helps with muscle function & cellular fluid balance. On average, we lose 150 mg of potassium per liter of sweat, resulting in a loss of 300 – 450 mg on a 2 hour ride.
Magnesium helps with energy production and electrolyte balance. On average, we lose 20 mg of magnesium per liter, resulting in a loss of 40 – 60 mg on a 2 hour ride.
Chloride is a hydration partner working in tandem with other minerals and electrolytes. On average, we lose 1400 mg of chloride per liter, resulting in a loss of 2800 – 4200 mg on a 2 hour ride.
HOW TO CONSUME ELECTROLYTES
During a break back at the truck, eating foods to replenish these necessary electrolytes is the best way to utilize the benefits of the whole food. Considering we’re wanting simple carbohydrates as well, eating rice with salt added is a great snack. A banana or orange is a welcomed fruit due to its carbohydrate and potassium mix. Salted almonds or cashews will help bring up your magnesium levels; eat nuts in small amounts intra-riding.
Since we’re on our bikes and riding, it’s tough to eat food to replenish the sweat and electrolyte loss. This is where supplements like LMNT
or SaltStick Fastchews (weekend review) come into play. Mixing the proper amount into your hydration bladder, and remembering to drink, will keep a constant drip of what your body needs to stay hydrated and cramp free. Whatever avenue you leverage for replenishing your water and electrolyte loss, start by aiming for around 20oz of water an hour. Knowing that we’re averaging a lose of 1000 mg of sodium, 150 mg of potassium, and 20 mg of magnesium per liter of sweat, we should be trying to consume at least half of these numbers per hour of activity. Once you’re done riding, you’ll want to continue that trend for the hour after the ride.
WHAT'S NEXT?
If you’re interested in knowing more about fueling for riding, we have a few other articles and videos for you to check out.
Our ENDURO NUTRITION CHEAT
SHEET is written to help enduro racers have a starting place for their fueling and hydration strategy.
Our 5 SIMPLE TIPS FOR DIRT BIKE NUTRITION is written to lightly introduce you to a few more concepts than we covered here.
Grabbing a gatorade at the gas station on the way to the trails or eating a banana as your bike warms up is better than nothing. But those aren’t examples of a hydration strategy, they’re a last ditch effort to pretend you’re taking your riding seriously. Riding dirt bikes is dangerous, especially when we bring the heat of summer into the equation. Use common sense and prepare for your ride one to two days before you’re on the trail. We want to see you excel while getting seat time. Let us know how it goes!
ELECTROLYTE SUPPLEMENTS
If you’re not using any electrolyte supplements, here’s a few brands I’ve used for you to start with.
Drink LMNT SaltStick
BPN
ELECTROLYTE / CARB SUPPLEMENTS
If you’re looking for a electrolytes mixed with a carbohydrate, here are a few options.
Tailwind Endurance Fuel
Rynopower Hydration Fuel
Skratch Hydration Sports Mix
GASGAS TECH TALKS
New for 2024 is a brand-new GASGAS video series focusing on the technical side of dirt bikes. Something we like to call – GASGAS Tech Talks!
Breaking down various components, what they are, and how they work, as well as guiding you through things like suspension set-up, there really is something for everyone. So, what are you waiting for? Take a moment to start watching and learning!
CLICK TO WATCH THE VIDEO
Now this is something that every rider benefits from on the track or trail without even realizing – anti-squat! Engineered into the chassis to maximize handling and traction, take a look at this video to see just how our engineers created the perfect balance of both.
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VERONA & GARCIA SPLIT AGAIN IN ITALY
words by ENDUROGP
photos by MASTORGNE
PHOTOGRAPHY, POLE
POSITION COMMUNICATIONS & FUTURE7MEDIA
Red Bull KTM Factory Racing's Josep Garcia and GasGas Factory Racing's Andrea Verona continue to battle down to the wire at round four of the Paulo Duarte FIM EnduroGP World Championship.
endurogp
DAY ONE
Greeted first with the super challenging POLISPORT Extreme Test, it was GASGAS Factory Racing’s Andrea Verona who set the fastest time, much to the delight of his passionate home crowd. On to the MAXXIS Enduro Test, and this time it was Beta Factory Racing’s Brad Freeman who topped the time sheets. But with Red Bull KTM Factory Racing’s Josep Garcia right behind in second, it was the Spaniard who moved into the overall race lead.
Completing lap one with the fastest time in the ACERBIS Cross Test, Garcia stretched his advantage out to 15 seconds over Verona, with Honda Racing RedMoto Enduro Team’s Steve Holcombe just six hundredths of a second adrift in third. With Freeman a further three seconds back in fourth, the racing was incredibly close.
On lap two, Freeman was impressive. Winning both the POLISPORT Extreme Test and MAXXIS Enduro Test, he moved up to second and was now just seven seconds behind Garcia. At maximum attack, Garcia won the ACERBIS Cross Test and extended his lead back out to 10 seconds as they headed out for lap three.
A magical third lap from the Spaniard saw him win all three special tests, and with the final set of tests remaining, he was 22 seconds clear of his rivals. Despite renewed attacks from Freeman and Verona on the final lap, Garcia kept his cool. Managing his advantage, he cleared the 13th and final special test as the day one winner at the POLISPORT GP of Italy.
For Freeman, day one in Bettola marked the best day of his season so far. The Brit proved incredibly strong all day. Capping his ride off with two more test
wins on the final lap for second overall, he’ll look to challenge for the win again tomorrow.
Unfortunately, hopes of a home win didn’t materialise on day one for Verona. The Italian enjoyed a strong ride, but was ultimately hampered by his crash in the AKRAPOVIC Super Test and never fully recovered. Third today, he has one more shot tomorrow to claim the top step of the podium in Italy.
Always in the mix, but not quite in the hunt for victory, Holcombe rode a solid-but-steady day for fourth overall. The Brit will hope to find a little bit extra overnight to properly weigh into the battle for the podium. Behind Holcombe, Nathan Watson (Beta) completed the top five.
DAY TWO
After the scorching heat on day one at round four of the Paulo Duarte FIM EnduroGP World Championship in Bettola, Italy, day two was a contrasting mud bath. Heavy overnight rain ensured the dust of day one would be a distant memory as riders battled slippery special tests, littered with lots of mud holes.
With organizers opting to reverse the POLISPORT Extreme Test, riders faced an untimed run on lap one, before taking on the MAXXIS Enduro Test, which would prove a crucial one for riders to get right throughout the day due to its testing conditions.
Honda Racing RedMoto Enduro Team’s Steve Holcombe executed it perfectly on lap one. Setting the quickest time, he held an early four-second advantage over GASGAS Factory Racing’s Andrea Verona, with Beta Factory Racing’s Brad Freeman third. There was trouble for day one winner Josep Garcia when the Red Bull KTM Factory Racing rider crashed in the trees and cost himself almost 50 seconds.
Quickly shaking it off, Garcia topped the ACERBIS Cross Test to begin his charge back to the front as Verona overhauled Holcombe to end lap one of three as the race leader. Fastest on the following POLISPORT Extreme Test and MAXXIS Enduro Test, before finishing second to Garcia on the ACERBIS Cross Test, Verona ended lap two 18 seconds clear of Holcombe in second.
Garcia had made an incredible recovery and was up to third with one lap remaining. Freeman
held fourth, while CH Racing Sherco’s Antoine Magain was holding fifth. But with the rain returning hard for lap three, positions were about to change once more.
Holcombe won the final POLISPORT Extreme Test and then the MAXXIS Enduro Test. Also capitalising on a crash from Verona, he took over the race lead with just the final ACERBIS Cross Test remaining. Could the Brit deny his Italian rival a home victory?
With it all to play for, Verona left it all on the line for his Italian fans. By the narrowest of margins, he fought back past Holcombe to secure the top step of the podium by an astonishing 46 hundredths of a second. For Holcombe it was a case of so close, but so far. Naturally disappointed, he had to settle for the runner-up result. Arguably one of the best recovery rides of the day went to Garcia in third.
For Belgium’s Magain it was a day to savour, with the Sherco rider securing one of his best results in a long time with fourth. Magain headed a Sherco freight train, with Zach Pichon and Hamish MacDonald also taking fifth and sixth respectively.
ENDUROGP WOMEN
DAY ONE
The Enduro Women saw a closely fought battle for victory between RIEJU Factory Racing’s Mireia Badia and Team KBS Sherco’s Rachel Gutish. Gutish had the early advantage on Badia having won the AKRAPOVIC Super Test, but Badia kept the pressure on.
A costly mistake from Gutish on the final POLISPORT Extreme Test saw positions change, putting Badia into the lead. Managing her advantage, Badia hung on to claim victory over Gutish.
In the race for the final step of the podium, France’s Elodie Chaplot (Beta) held off Britain’s Rosie Rowett (RIEJU) by 15 seconds to secure her first top three of the year.
DAY TWO
In the Enduro Women’s class, it was RIEJU Factory Racing’s Mireia Badia who mastered the mud to secure her second victory of the weekend in Bettola. The Spaniard was supreme as she made short work of the rutted MAXXIS Enduro Test and slippery ACERBIS Cross Test. Claiming a 56-second margin of victory, she was pleased with her efforts today.
Adding to the celebrations in the RIEJU camp, teammate Rosie Rowett took second. The Brit fended off a big challenge by Beta’s Elodie Chaplot to beat her rival by just three seconds. Justine Martel (Beta) and Emelie Borg (Sherco) rounded out the top five.
RESULTS - DAY ONE
1. Mireia Badia (RIE)
2. Rachel Gutish (SHR)
3. Elodie Chaplot (BET)
4. Rosie Rowett (RIE)
5. Justine Martel (BET)
6. Vilde Marie Holt (KTM)
7. Emelie Borg Nilsson (SHR)
RESULTS - DAY TWO
1. Mireia Badia (RIE)
2. Rosie Rowett (RIE)
3. Elodie Chaplot (BET)
4. Justine Martel (BET)
5. Emelie Borg Nilsson (SHR)
6. Vilde Marie Holt (KTM)
CHAMPIONSHIP STANDINGS (AFTER ROUND 4)
ENDURO GP
1. Josep Garcia (KTM)
2. Andrea Verona (GG)
3. Steve Holcombe (HON)
4. Brad Freeman (BET)
5. Nathan Watson (BET)
6. Zachary Pichon (SHR)
7. Samuele Bernardini (HON)
8. Jamie McCanney (HSQ)
9. Hamish Macdonald (SHR)
10. Matteo Cavallo (TM)
CHAMPIONSHIP STANDINGS (AFTER ROUND 4)
WOMEN
ENDURO
1. Mireia Badia (RIE)
2. Rosie Rowett (RIE)
3. Rachel Gutish (SHR)
4. Elodie Chaplot (BET)
5. Justine Martel (BET)
6. Francesca Nocera (HON)
7. Emelie Borg Nilsson (SHR)
8. Nieve Holmes (SHR)
9. Vilde Marie Holt (KTM)
• The T-18 Dragonfly is directdrive from the motor to the rear wheel
• An easy-pull diaphragm clutch for maximum control and traction
• New M4 39mm Aluminum AIR FORKS are the lightest on the market
• Linkless Ohlins shock direct to the swing arm
• 5 hour+ quick change and fast charge battery
• new 6.5-hour interchangeable battery also available
• Weight 132 pounds
• Seat can be added for trail riding comfort
The second shipment of Mecatecno Dragonflies has recently arrived with two very helpful features added to the bike’s controller to assist in the performance of the rider: An “Anti-Roll back” feature, which prevents the back wheel from rolling backwards as soon as backward movement is detected by the controller
and an “Inertia” feature, which is similar to the flywheel action on a gas powered trials bike. These new features can also be downloaded by the factory to all previous customer’s bikes to bring them up to date with the present models. This is a tremendous advantage of this controller in that any new changes or upgrades can easily be done with a connection to the factory electronics team. Now your Dragonfly will always be as up to date with the newest revisions as you desire. There will be more exciting additions to come in the new year, such as an extended range battery with a 6.5 hour running time, interchangeable with the present 5 hour battery.
Retail price $11,299.00, not including shipping cost to your destination.
Gutish on Making endurogp history
words by ENDUROGP
photos by POLE POSITION COMMUNICATIONS & FUTURE7MEDIA
Winning the opening day of competition in the 2024 Paulo Duarte FIM EnduroGP World Championship, Rachel Gutish became the first American woman to stand on the top step of the podium in Enduro Women.
With her victory on day one at round one in Portugal writing the Team KBS Sherco rider’s name into the
history books, she’s clearly hungry for more success, in what’s her debut season in EnduroGP.
Currently third overall in Enduro Women standings, the two-time FIM 6DAYS® winner with the United States, 2021 and 2023, is aiming to add to that tally at the POLISPORT GP of Italy in Bettola…
RACHEL, HOW DID IT FEEL TO BECOME THE FIRST WOMAN RIDER FROM THE USA TO WIN IN ENDUROGP?
Rachel Gutish: “It was an amazing feeling for sure! When I heard my national anthem playing, it was comparable to how I felt the first time I heard it play at the 6DAYS® with my teammates. It wasn’t just a first for me, but a first for my country too. It was history being made. It also makes me proud that this particular accomplishment was mine in a way that the 6DAYS® wins are not. It was my plan, my dream, my goal… and I am the rider who accomplished it!”
HOW HAVE YOU FOUND ENDUROGP COMPARED TO OTHER ENDURO YOU’VE RACED?
“One of the reasons I wanted to race EnduroGP so badly is because I love this style of racing. At home we have the US Sprint Enduro series. It’s like EnduroGP, but without the transfer trail or mechanical aspects. Outside of EnduroGP I only get to do this format once a year at the 6DAYS® and that simply isn’t enough for me!”
AS A TWO-TIME WINNING MEMBER OF THE USA 6DAYS® TEAM YOU OBVIOUSLY HAVE FORM, BUT DID YOU EXPECT THIS VICTORY TO COME SO SOON AT ROUND ONE?
“Yes and no. I was familiar with my competition from racing against them at the 6DAYS®. I thought I could do well based on my results there, but I also knew this was a different game, so I didn’t want to come in cocky. I wasn’t surprised I won, but if I’d gotten beaten badly then I wouldn’t have been surprised either! I guess the best way to put it is that I tried to come in with a very open mind and without any expectations.”
What type of special test have you enjoyed the most this season?
“I really like the Super Test, and the Enduro Test has been really fun too. I expected to like the Extreme Test a lot given that I have background in some of the major American Hard Enduro races like the Tennessee Knock Out and King of the Motos. But, while I’ve still had fun on them, I’ve struggled to produce consistently good results.”
IN ENDUROGP THE SPECIAL TESTS TEND TO BECOME MORE TECHNICAL AS THE WEEKEND PROGRESSES. WHAT TESTS DO YOU FEEL YOU HAVE MORE TO LEARN ON?
“The Extreme Test and the Cross Test. I think some of my issue with the Extreme Test is that I’m used to doing that kind of riding on a bike specifically set up and designed for
it, like Hard Enduro. So sometimes the bike wouldn’t do what I thought it should be able to. My two main areas of focus before the GP of Italy are more extreme riding on my regular enduro bike, and finding some fast, dusty, hard pack trails, so I’m prepared for the Cross Test.”
HOW DID THE DEAL WITH TEAM KBS SHERCO COME ABOUT TO RACE IN THE 2024 ENDUROGP SEASON?
“Nieve Holmes and I have been friends since the 2021 6DAYS® in Italy. We keep in touch and even though we rarely see each other, I’d say we’re pretty close. I had originally
planned to borrow a bike from her to do the GP of Wales. But then she said Chris [Hockey], who runs Team KBS Sherco, was looking for another rider for this season. I was excited to try something different, so the timing turned out to be perfect. Sherco USA have also been a huge support in making it happen.”
ARE YOU BE BASED IN EUROPE FOR THE ENTIRE SEASON, OR DO YOU PLAN TO TRAVEL OVER AND BACK TO THE RACES?
“Given the large gaps in the schedule, I travel coming home between rounds. I have more connections and places to ride when I’m home, so I
can train better and have a routine. Also, there’s racing I still like to do for Sherco USA. Plus, it’s nice to get home, after a while I miss my family and our dogs!”
WHAT HAS THE RECEPTION BEEN LIKE BACK HOME AFTER WINNING IN THE WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP?
“Overwhelmingly positive! I’ve received lots of messages from people, ranging from close friends to distant acquaintances. At the races back home, I think I’ve spent more time talking to people who wanted to hear all about my European adventures than I’ve spent riding my bike!”
FINALLY, DO YOU FEEL YOUR SUCCESS CAN HELP ELEVATE THE USA’S INTEREST IN THE FIM WOMEN’S ENDURO WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP?
“That’s a tough question. In the USA, diehard fans of Enduro, or people who watch the 6DAYS® closely, are familiar with EnduroGP, but we are kind of isolated over here. It takes a lot of travel to make it over to Europe. But with my EnduroGP success, and our team results in the 6DAYS® for men and women, there is definitely a renewed wave of interest in this style of racing. Here in the USA, women’s racing has grown exponentially. It’s now way bigger than when I first went pro in 2011, and that’s a trend I want to see continue!”
WADE YOUNG WINS XROSS HARD ENDURO RALLY
Red Bull Leader Tread’s Wade Young has claimed victory at round three of the FIM Hard Enduro World Championship in Serbia. Young took the overall win at Xross Hard Enduro Rally ahead of Sherco Factory Racing’s Teodor Kabakchiev in second, with Michael Walkner (GASGAS) completing the podium. TTR Squadra Corse’s Mitch Brightmore fought back on Offroad Day Three to claim victory in the FIM Hard Enduro Junior World Championship supported by KLIM.
After Wednesday’s exciting AKRAPOVIC Prologue qualification, riders gathered early Thursday morning for the first of three Offroad Days for round three of the FIM Hard Enduro World Championship at Xross Hard Enduro Rally.
With 100 kilometres awaiting them, it was Sherco Factory Racing’s Teodor Kabakchiev who was first to lead the 54-strong Pro class field out. The TTR Squadra Corse pairing of Ashton Brightmore and Mitch Brightmore were next on the course, with Mario Roman (Sherco) fourth rider away.
Fifth on the road, Red Bull Leader Tread’s Wade Young began his day in a determined mood. Looking to chase down his rivals ahead of
him, the South African got to work, posting consistently fast sector times. As the first rider to complete the course, Young won Offroad Day One on corrected time and led the race by over five minutes.
A late start number played into the hands of Austrian Michael Walkner. The GASGAS rider capitalized on the tracks laid by those opening the course ahead of him to end Offroad Day One in a strong second place.
Despite opening the day, and suffering some late tire issues, Kabakchiev still clocked in a strong performance. The Bulgarian finished third and trailed Walkner by only 15 seconds in the overall classification.
For Roman, the first day in the mountains at Xross Hard Enduro Rally didn’t quite go his way. The Spaniard posted some strong sector times, but couldn’t maintain the pace of the leading trio. He ended his day fourth overall in classification and 12 minutes behind race leader Young.
Putting in arguably one of the day’s most impressive performances was the Czech Republic’s David Cyprian. The KTM rider worked his way through the toughest of sections to come home in a well-deserved fifth position.
It was an exciting penultimate day of racing. With competitors facing a long and demanding course for
Offroad Day Two, the event continued to put everyone through their paces.
On a high following his win on Offroad Day One to take control of the race lead, Red Bull Leader Tread’s Wade Young was eager to establish momentum on the penultimate Offroad Day Two. The fresh terrain faced today did not faze Young as he led the field of Pro class riders away early morning. After the first five sectors, the GASGAS-mounted rider was leading on the road, and on corrected time. But only just.
Sherco Factory Racing’s Teodor Kabakchiev was pushing hard to make up for yesterday’s lost time and trailed the South African by just 21 seconds. Jarvis Racing’s Graham Jarvis was another rider on the move. Despite a late start time due to finishing yesterday in 16th, the Hard Enduro legend put all his experience to use and lay third at the midway point of the day.
With the second half of the day featuring multiple difficult sections, Jarvis put on a masterclass and overhauled his rivals to claim a memorable stage win. For Young, hopes of back-to-back Offroad Day wins slipped from his grasp in the final moments, ending his day 19 seconds behind Jarvis as runner-up. However, the South African extended his lead to a very healthy nine minutes and 24 seconds entering Offroad Day Three.
Losing time to both Jarvis and Young late in the day, Kabakchiev ended in third. But the Bulgarian still pulled time on Michael Walkner (GASGAS), who took fourth. Passing the Austrian for second overall in classification, the Sherco rider held a five-minute advantage over Walkner with one day of racing remaining.
Entering the final day of competition with a healthy nine minute and 24 seconds over Sherco Factory Racing’s Teodor Kabakchiev, Young had a virtual grasp on the winner’s trophy. However, he still needed to overcome a brutally demanding final day to seal the deal. And with Kabakchiev ready to push the South African every step of the way, Young was offered no easy run to the finish line.
With temperatures climbing above 86 degrees in Serbia, organizers modified the course to ease the intensity of the most demanding sections. But, with over three and a half hours of riding planned for the majority of the top riders, Offroad Day Three was still quite the workout.
With over nine minutes to make up on his rival Young, Kabakchiev gave it everything today to reel in the South African. The Bulgarian was pushing hard. After nine of 11 sectors, he had reduced the gap to just over three minutes.
Responding, Young fought back on the final two sectors and kept the Sherco rider at bay. Topping the final sector, he celebrated across the finish line as round three winner of the FIM Hard Enduro World Championship. His victory now sees him lead the championship standings at the end of round three.
Putting in an incredible ride on Offroad Day Three, Kabakchiev was rewarded for his efforts with the day’s win. But in the overall classification, he would have to settle for runner-up. In the end, he finished just two minutes and 42 seconds behind Young after almost
CLICK TO WATCH VIDEO
13 hours of racing in the Xross Hard Enduro Rally.
Austria’s Michael Walkner (GASGAS) enjoyed a solid final day in Serbia to complete the podium in third.
A strong final day by Mario Roman (Sherco) saw him place fourth today to cement his position of fourth overall at round three. Also capping off an incredible event, David Cyprian (KTM) secured fifth overall in the race, his best FIM Hard Enduro World Championship result to date.
BUZZELLI AND CUNNINHAM TAKE INAUGURAL WINS IN OKLAHOMA
words and photos by
STEPH VETTERLY
The inaugural round of the AMA/ Next Gen Mototrials Central Youth and Women’s Regional Championship took place on June 8 and 9 in Turley, OK, to showcase youth riders from 4 to 15, and women of all ages.
Kevin Kight, founder/owner of the Tulsa Mountain Trials property, opened his venue to the Northeastern Oklahoma Trials Team (N.E.O.T.T.) to help host the event. Section design was focused on technical acumen, working tight turns with appropriately tricky, rocky terrain that allowed both full-size bikes and OSETs to test their skill. Moms and dads were easily able to keep up with all sections via a short and easy loop.
"When Ron Lee approached us, how could you go wrong having kids here to enjoy what they enjoy?" said Kight. "It’s all about the kids, and it was just a joy to see it. I don’t think this weekend could’ve been any better, and I don’t know what we could’ve done to make it better. We learned a few things, but it was really just minor details. I think everyone had a great time. I heard many compliments about the property and the experience as a whole. It’s just a joy for me.
Ron Lee built all the sections, and he did a wonderful job. He builds sections for our local trials here, but it was his first time building them for a youth and women’s event, and I think he nailed it. Every time he
builds a section, it’s always unique. His sections are challenging, but always fun."
In Youth A0, the 15 and Under Expert class, David Cunningham was in a league of his own (quite literally, as the sole A0-line rider), taking the win and the overall championship trophy stag, with 85 points on Saturday and 84 points on Sunday.
"It was my first time in A0 and it was pretty hard, but I was having fun," said Cunningham. "It was a good challenge, but now I definitely know what I need to work on. I feel like I need to focus on commitment and hopping. When I was trying to go up the big splatters, I would hold in my clutch way too long and wouldn’t have enough speed or “up” to get all the way up it. With hopping, I just need to be more consistent and work on my balancing.
This was my first time having Cole as a minder. He was pretty good; he wasn’t too mean to me [laughs]. He helped me a lot with my tire positioning, which he’s good at since he rides Pro [in the NATC series]. He caught me a few times, which was nice, so my bike didn’t get broken.
[“He would’ve had at least three times as many points if it wasn’t for me,” said Cole from the background.]
The property was a lot different, but I liked it. At my house, all we have is mud and logs and no elevation at all, so it was nice having some rocks and hills and elevation change.
I would like to thank my mom and dad for paying for me to come down here. Big thanks to Next Gen Mototrials for putting on this awesome event, NEOTT for hosting it, and Kevin Kight for allowing us to use his property. I want to thank my minder, Cole, for all the help this weekend. Thanks to my big sister for feeding me and taking care of me. Thanks to TRS USA and ROK Trials."
In the Women W1 class, Team STRA’s Abigail Buzzelli took the win each day and the overall trophy, with a narrow, three-point win Sunday against Hailey Glueck.
"The event was a bunch of fun," said Buzzelli. "Ron Lee did a really nice job setting up all of the sections. I very much appreciated that there was nothing that I felt I needed a minder for, since I was out there without a minder. The weather was hot - 96 degrees - and we felt every percent of the high humidity.
I love the Youth and Women's Open events; I think the camaraderie and energy of everyone here just can't be topped. I think my riding went pretty well; there was only one big mistake. On the second day, I fell off a big rock; my foot slipped off the peg. That was a little scary. Overall, I was surprised at how grippy the terrain was. It made it really rewarding to ride, because pretty much anything I tried, I went right up.
Winning the stag felt so good. I was so excited, and I don't think I'm going to get over it any time soon. I'm already planning to be at the Tennessee round since it's in my home state, but getting the win here has inspired me to try to get out to the Colorado round as well because I had so much fun"
Outside of competition, the club provided a fun trial for the adults as well as a full-spread dinner on Saturday night.
SETTING THE PACE
GIRROIR EARNS FIFTH WIN OF SEASON AT SNOWSHOE
words by KAYLA BOLTON photos by MACK FAINT & KEN HILL
ROUND 9 SNOWSHOE MOUNTAIN RESORT SNOWSHOE, WV
Round nine of the 2024 Progressive Grand National Cross Country (GNCC Racing) Series presented by Specialized, an AMA National Championship, Yamaha Racing Snowshoe GNCC, concluded on Sunday, June 23, 2024 with warm and sunny conditions throughout the day. The Snowshoe GNCC event continues to pay tribute to the Blackwater heritage as the race starts “in town” with riders lined up in groups of five on the main road. They start live-engine ever 10 seconds, and are time adjusted based off of what row they begin on.
As the green flag waved for row one, the top five in points took off from the main road towards the course. Rocky Mountain Red Bear Kawasaki’s Steward Baylor would have a good start to the day as he came through leading the way on the opening lap, however, both Coastal GASGAS Factory Racing’s Jordan Ashburn and FMF KTM Factory Racing’s Johnny Girroir were right on his back tire.
Girroir would battle past Ashburn and S. Baylor during the second lap of the race, but he would soon have a different Baylor brother behind him as Babbitts Online/Monster Energy/ Kawasaki Team Green’s Grant Baylor made his way up to the front of the pack. G. Baylor would power past Girroir while out on the fourth lap of the race, and he would hold the lead position heading into the final lap of the race.
As the last lap was underway, Girroir would battle it out with G. Baylor and make the pass for the lead. Girroir would put his head down and push as he had to gain over 10 seconds on G. Baylor at the finish or G. Baylor would win the overall with his time adjustment from starting on the second row. Girroir would cross the line and come across with just over 11 seconds ahead of G. Baylor, earning his fifth win of the season. G. Baylor would finish second overall and S. Baylor would round out the
podium by finishing third overall on the day.
After batting back-and-forth for the duration of the race Ashburn would cross the line fourth overall on the day. Ashburn continues to sit fourth overall in the points standings as the GNCC Series heads into its summer break. Active Air/Max Motorsports/ FXR/Husqvarna’s Evan Smith made his way up into the top five in the XC1 Open Pro as the white flag flew, indicating one more lap. Smith would continue to push and hold onto that top five position within the class and sixth overall on the day.
FMF KTM Factory Racing’s Dante Oliveira would come through sixth in XC1 and eighth overall on the day after continuing to adapt to technical conditions presented to racers at Snowshoe. JS Sherco Racing’s Josh Strang would work his way up to seventh in the class after coming through 11th on the opening lap. Rockstar Energy Factory Husqvarna Racing’s Craig Delong started on the front row and would battle up in fourth for the first half of the race before finishing eighth in XC1. Coming through ninth in XC1 was Babbitts Online/Monster Energy/Kawasaki Team Green’s Lyndon Snodgrass, while AmPro Yamaha’s Ricky Russell rounded out the top 10 finishers in XC1.
As XC2 250 Pro competitor, FMF KTM Factory Racing Landers Grant Davis started on the first
row, it would be hard to catch him for the remainder of the race as he continued to set a fast pace. Davis would steadily hold over a two minute lead on the rest of his competition for the duration of the race, and he would come through to earn his fifth XC2 class win of the season. Team Enduro Engineering’s Josh Toth and Rocky Mountain Red Bear Kawasaki’s Thad Duvall would both have consistent days on the mountain as they held the second and third place positions in XC2 for the length of the race.
In the FMF XC3 125 Pro-Am class it would be Kibuk Cycle/Steel City Medical Center/Josh Lojak’s House of Speed’s Sawyer Carratura battling throughout the course to earn his first class win of the season atop Snowshoe Mountain. After coming through third on the opening lap, Liqui Moly Factory Beta Racing’s Jhak Walker would put his head down and push as he tried to catch the front of the pack. Walker was able to make his way into second with two laps remaining, and he would hold that position until the checkered flag waved. Devore/KTM/ FXR/SRS Suspension’s Dakoda Devore rounded out the top three FMF XC3 class finishers on the day.
Earning the Top Amateur Honors at the Yamaha Racing Snowshoe GNCC was 250 A winner, Nicholas DeFeo as he came through in the 13th overall finishing position. Jason Tino
was second on the Top Amateur podium as he finished second in 250 A, and he came through with a 17th overall finish. Will Sievenpiper was third on the Top Amateur podium as he came through to finish third in 250 A, along with his 19th overall finishing position.
As the morning race got underway, and the WXC class made their way through the course it would be Rocky Mountain Red Bear Kawasaki’s Rachael Archer emerged first as they came into the timing and scoring zone on lap one. Archer would continue to hold the lead and
place a gap over the rest of the field. As the checkered flag flew Archer would cross the line with over a minute lead.
Finishing runner-up at Snowshoe was Rockstar Energy Factory Husqvarna Racing’s Korie Steede as she tried to battle back after some mistakes and crashes ultimately kept her away from catching Archer. Enduro Engineering/GASGAS/FXR Moto’s Shelby Turner would sit in third for the duration of the race and round out the top three WXC finishers at Snowshoe.
EVENT RESULTS (XC1)
1. Jonathan Girroir (KTM)
2. Grant Baylor (KAW)
3. Steward Baylor Jr (KAW)
4. Jordan Ashburn (GG)
5. Evan Smith (HSQ)
6. Dante Oliveira (KTM)
7. Josh Strang (SHR)
8. Craig Delong (HSQ)
9. Lyndon Snodgrass (KAW)
10. Ricky Russell (YAM)
EVENT
RESULTS (WXC)
1. Rachael Archer (KAW)
2. Korie Steede (HSQ)
3. Shelby Turner (GG)
4. Brandy Richards (KTM)
5. Jocelyn Barnes (HSQ)
6. Prestin Raines (SHR)
7. Carly Lee (KTM)
8. Addison Elliott (KTM)
9. Tayla Jones (HSQ)
10. Kayla O'Neill (YAM)
smage and Martyn split wins at TTC
words and photos by STEPH
VETTERLY
Seasoned veterans of the Trials Training Center (TTC) motorcycle resort in Sequatchie, TN, know that the venue has only two settings: as hot as the surface of the sun or as wet as the rainforest. TTC lived up to its name once again, putting riders through their paces for rounds 3 and 4 of the 2024 AMA/ NATC MotoTrials USA National Championship Series, presented by Trial Store USA. Crowd-favorite, FactoryONE Sherco’s Pat Smage and US Montesa Honda-backed Toby Martyn split wins on the weekend in the near 100-degree temperatures.
All of the Pro-class riders, with the exception of Martyn, have ridden and lived (at times) at TTC throughout their trials career, so it was very much a case of “home field advantage” for the Americans. The Southeastern Trials Riders Association, hosting club for the event, worked hard to uncover sections and areas that had been used back in the ‘90s and some previous FIM World Trial Championship rounds that had long since been reclaimed by Mother Nature, which helped even the playing field a bit. The sections were designed to be extremely technical, and riders found themselves playing footsie with the ribbon to avoid
taking full points on my than one occasion.
Smage and Martyn both started off Saturday’s competition with a single point in the first section. Smage was able to hold his score for the rest of the loop, even making it through the five-foot splatter wall in the stadium section, as Martyn and the rest of the Pro class took full points. After a few more single dabs throughout the day and some further failed rides in the stadium, Pat and Toby found themselves tied, with Pat coming out on top with one more clean ride (30 to Toby’s 29).
“The sections were tough, quite a bit tougher than Arizona,” said Smage. “It was a workout. After the first loop I was already starting to get hot and worn out. It was hard to put everything you had into one section, but it’s just what I tried to do. I was able to pull off some good scores. Overall, there was just one section, section 12, [that gave us issues]. A lot of guys messed it up, but I only made it up once. That was the makeor-break section, either a ‘clean or a five’ type of thing. The rest of the sections had lots of opportunities to take points. I had to take a few points here and there; most of them were needed. There was only one that I was really frustrated about only because it was so lame. I rushed up and wasn’t really looking; I was thinking about the next obstacle and front end tucked
a little bit and there it went. You try to minimize as many of those. The sections were hard enough that I was ok with taking some points [laughs].”
“It was a really hard day today,” said a visibly-exhausted Martyn. “The sections were a lot harder than Arizona. Obviously, the heat and humidity really made a difference. I didn’t feel that comfortable all day, really. Just had a few silly marks. Ended up with two fives in section 12 which cost me the win. Me and Pat [Smage] ended up on the same [score], one clean difference. It’s cool for him to get a win and for us to be battling. We’re going to be battling all year. Another day tomorrow.”
When asked if the terrain at TTC was similar to anything he typically rides, Martyn said “we’ve ridden a lot of natural sections, but in the last few years, I probably haven’t ridden much of this sort of stuff. That’s probably why I didn’t feel super comfortable. You could tell a lot of the guys have ridden here and they knew what they were doing; that made it even harder and put me under a lot of pressure.”
GasGas’s Josh Roper added another third-place finish to his roster.
“Overall, I wouldn’t say [today] was my best day, but it wasn’t my worst day,” he said. “There were definitely some solid rides, and then there were some rides that had me asking
myself ‘why did I put my foot down?’ [laughs]. It’s hard to be perfect in trials. Overall, I’m really happy with how the sections turned out; I think Ray [Peters] and the whole STRA crew did a fantastic job. Most of [the lines we rode] were pretty new. The areas we rode in were the same to what we have experienced riding in the past. Growing up here, you know how the rocks are. You know what’s going to spin and what’s going to have traction, so that was nice.”
Brothers Alex Myers (FactoryONE Scorpa) and Will Myers (FactoryONE Sherco) rounded out the top five, taking fourth (50 points) and fifth (63 points), respectively. Will would be the only other rider to make it past the splatter wall more than once, taking a single point for the section on his final loop of the day.
Riders agreed that Sunday’s sections weren’t necessarily easier but rode nicer than the previous day. Taking points in the first two sections, Smage found himself in a tight battle with Martyn. Martyn found his groove in the sections and only dropped a single point on the day. Smage would only drop three and would take the second step, with Roper taking another third place finish. The Myers brothers would swap positions, with Will taking fourth with 31 points and Alex taking fifth with 36 points.
“The weekend was pretty positive for me,” explained Will. “Saturday, I had a couple rough sections, fived a bunch; I was really disappointed with that. I couldn’t quite get those kinks worked out for the second lap, either, so I wasn’t really happy with how I was riding. My last loop, I more than halved my previous two loop scores, so I guess that’s one positive thing to bring out, other than making it through the massive rock in section 12 twice; that was a tremendous feat for me and my bike. I didn’t think I could do something that big, but we made it happen.
I carried that confidence and energy from the last loop of Saturday into Sunday. I was riding well my first loop and decided to keep that going the best I could. I didn’t feel near as fatigued or tired near the end of my third loop as I thought I would. I was pumping the water and the electrolyte pills and other Hammer Nutrition products to help keep me energized and I honestly felt like I could’ve gone out for another loop. That makes me feel good. I was having fun my last loop until section 6 where I knocked a marker off. My goal is to have no fives; that section was my first and only five for the day. I would’ve had a three-point loop otherwise. Still, I felt like I was riding really well, and the confidence was there. I just have to work on the precision and consistency.”
“The weekend was definitely up and down for me,” said Alex. “Saturday was a pretty good result with fourth place, it’s about as good as I can ask for since I’m not a full-time rider. The riding had some ups and downs throughout the day. Eventually I pulled in a pretty solid last loop. Into Sunday, sections were a little bit easier, but still pretty easy to make a mistake and it would be pretty catastrophic. I just didn’t ride as good as I wanted to, obviously. There was just one section, section 9, that I just couldn’t figure out and that’s what killed me. I was fifth place today, and only five points off of fourth, which went to my brother. Out here, this is more my style of sections, compared to out west where my brother’s usually better. Overall, just pretty disappointing, and I’m pretty bummed about today."
Beta USA’s Alex Niederer would take a pair of sixth-place finishes on the weekend, having frustratingly earned maximum points in five or six sections due to displacing markers.
“I had a lot more fun today (Sunday) than I did yesterday as far as an enjoyability point,” he explained.
“I thought the sections were good. I was a little frustrated because I’ve torn off five or six gates, so I think I’ve gotten 25-30 points this weekend just for torn off markers. Yesterday was a very long day; the sections were really on the long end. I struggled quite a bit at the
end of the day yesterday. Again, the result was one of those where I had some really sweet rides and then some really bonehead rides and I’m somewhere in no-man’s land. I was 30 points from fifth place, and I was 30 points ahead of anyone behind me, so it was kind of the same story it was in Arizona.”
Beta USA’s Cole Cullins is still working on progressing his riding in the Pro class, 2024 being only his second year on the black line. He would finish with a pair of seventh-place finishes. “Yesterday was up and down, as it tends to be. Few good things, a lot of bad things, as my Pro career goes. Felt pretty good. Sections were hard, but nothing that I was afraid of, or didn’t think I could do - that’s a lie, I absolutely could NOT do section 12, had no interest in it. I watched a lot of people go straight to skid plate, so I’m not that upset about it.
"Today, I felt like I rode a lot better. I was keeping up with Alex for the first half of the event. I feel like I had a lot of good rides, but it actually was like a whole good section, and then I’d blow it the rest of the time. It would be really nice if all my good rides were in one loop so it looks like I had one really nice loop and then fell apart instead of just being mediocre all day. I don’t know why that seems better, but it feels better. I feel like I’ve gotten better each event since I’ve been riding Pro.
I’m just chipping away, getting a little closer. It’s taken time, but we’re getting there. Sooner or later, it’ll happen and we’ll be there. Until then, we’re just going to keep riding, keep having fun.”
TRS Kentucky’s Sam Fastle made an appearance, stating the weekend was only the fifth time he’d been on the bike since the national in Rhode Island in July 2023. Sam would finish 21 points behind Cole for an eighth-place finish, and would have to sit out Sunday’s event due to a non-trials-related injury.
“[Today] was very hot,” said Sam of Saturday’s ride. “It was a really fun day and I really enjoyed it. I’ve only ridden five times before this national, so it was really hard jumping back into the Pro class and ride with all these guys. Sections were laid out pretty fun, but unfortunately it was like 95-degrees outside and felt more like 104, so it was very hot which made it tough and hard to really enjoy. On top of that, my minder was really struggling and having issues with the heat. He ended up overheating on the second loop. I had to ride seven sections without a minder, which was tough. For the third loop, I had some help from a local Trials Inc guy, Kurt Keltner; gotta give him a shout-out because he followed me around the third loop. Had some really good rides; ended up getting a clean, too, so that felt good. I had a lot of fun. Sections were fun and it was nice to be out with everyone again.”
In the Women’s Pro class, wins would be traded yet again, with GasGas’s
Maddie Hoover taking the top step on Saturday, only to drop to second place by two points to Trial Superstore’s Kylee Sweeten on Sunday.
“[Saturday] was pretty good,” said Hoover. “It started out a little shaky on the first lap. I had an unfortunate five but ended up on a two-point lap for the last loop, which I’m pretty happy with. Just a bunch of ones out there. It was pretty technical. The sections were pretty short, but plenty of room for mistakes. I’m not sure how I finished in the boys class – I either got second, or I possibly won. It just felt good to be bad to where I felt like I was riding my best today. No complaints. I felt very well-conditioned, and the riding really suited my style.
I had some good rides [on Sunday], but unfortunately, I had too many mistakes, so it cost me in the end. The sections changed quite a bit throughout the day; I don’t think they were the same each time each rider was going through, which was unfortunate. I’m happy that I managed to hold it together. Only being two points off isn’t too bad, but still not what we were going for – obviously we wanted the win. Congratulations to Kylee [Sweeten]; she rode phenomenally – a twopoint loop is incredible. She should be really proud of herself. I guess we’re going to have a battle this year.”
SATURDAY RESULTS
MEN'S PRO
1. Pat Smage (SHR) - 15
2. Toby Martyn (MON) - 15
3. Josh Roper (GG) - 38
4. Alex Myers (SCO) - 50
5. Will Myers (SHR) - 63
6. Alex Niederer (BET) - 96
7. Cole Cullins (BET) - 124
8. Sam Fastle (TRS) - 145
WOMEN'S PRO
1. Maddie Hoover (GG) - 16
2. Kylee Sweeten (TRS) - 38
SUNDAY RESULTS
MEN'S PRO
1. Toby Martyn (MON) - 1
2. Pat Smage (SHR) - 3
3. Josh Roper (GG) - 16
4. Will Myers (SHR) - 31
5. Alex Myers (SCO) - 36
6. Alex Niederer (BET) - 70
7. Cole Cullins (BET) - 86
WOMEN'S PRO
1. Maddie Hoover (GG) - 16
2. Kylee Sweeten (TRS) - 38
GLUECK & MARTINSON EARN EAGLES AT TTC
words
and photos by
STEPH VETTERLY
The weekend following the NATC National event, the Trials Training Center played host yet again to a trials event, this time the AMA/ Next Gen Mototrials Eastern Youth and Women’s Open Regional Championship.
Broken down into three days worth of competition, riders were
challenged to a different set of sections each day, bringing a different focus. Due to the threat of rain at some point during the weekend, Friday's focus was set on hillclimb sections. Saturday's sections were focused on creek beds, while the competition ended with a focus on bigger hits and more advanced techniques.
In the A0 15 and Under Expert championship class, the top step saw a different rider each day of the competition, with each winner taking a sizeable lead over the rest of the pack. Friday saw Asa Fox take the win with 37 points. Saturday's winner, and eventual weekend overall leader, would be Adam Martinson, taking 41 points to Fox's 80. On Sunday, Thomas Keady hurt his ankle in section 8 of his penultimate loop. Unsure about being able to finish, he made it back to the pits and was sitting on only 63 points, putting him in the lead after everyone's third loop. He took a few moments rest, wrapped his ankle and headed back out with only 45 minutes left to finish his last loop of eight sections.
Joined by Sam Fastle, Keady was able to not only ride the best loop of the day, dropping only 13 points, but finished 24 points ahead of Adam Martinson to take the win on the day.
"I didn't want to fall on the ankle, so I had to get [the bike] up [the obstacles] somehow," Keady said. "Sam was out there with me, and I just got it up everything!"
Martinson was able to secure enough championship points throughout the weekend to earn the coveted eagle trophy. This was not only his first eagle, but also his first championship ever outside of the local scene.
"Friday was rough," said Martinson. "It was super easy to make mistakes. It was a lot of hills and turns, so it was easy to mess up and take points on those turns. On Saturday, it was really technical being in the creek beds. There were only a few big ups, so it was easy to take points, but it was also easy to hold onto those. I pulled ahead pretty early on, which boosted my confidence for Sunday. Sunday was big ups, which were easy until it rained; then they became really difficult. You just had to push through and help yourself. It was pretty tough.
Coran Calvert was my minder; this was our first time working together. He taught me some things, showed me some lines. He understood how I rode and understood me, so he knew what I could and couldn’t do, which helped a lot.
It feels amazing to win my first eagle. This is actually my first championship ever outside of the locals. I’m really happy because Friday and Sunday I wasn’t able to get on the top step. I’m surprised, almost, that I won.
I would like to thank Cole Cullins for getting me here and giving me a bike to ride, Coran for minding for me, my dad for supporting the trip and paying for everything, and just the whole Cunningham family for helping me and feeding me."
In the Women's Advanced championship class, results were very similar, with a different winner each day. Hailey Glueck would take first blood on Friday, while her sister, Kylie, would take the win on Saturday's creeks. The final day would see Team STRA's Abigail Buzzelli on the top step, but her third-place finish on Saturday would cost her precious championship points. Buzzelli would finish the weekend in second place overall, only four points behind winner Hailey.
Hailey has been competing in the Youth and Women's events at TTC for a number of years, and her 2024 win is eagle #5 for her.
"This weekend was good," explained Glueck. "It was a lot of creeks, so you had to keep your knees out. I honestly had a great time. Compared to riding the 0 line, it was a lot more fun. Even though I’m not trained up, this year’s 1 line seemed easier than year’s past.
I rode the 1 line my first year, rode two years on the 0 line, then last year again on the 1. So this is my third year riding the 1 line.
Today (day 3) was my favorite because it had the bigger ups and I know I can at least do some of the bigger ups, even though I had some faults today."
TEAM STRA AT THE WOMEN'S OPEN
introduction by ABIGAIL BUZZELLI
The goal of Team STRA is to encourage Southeastern Trials Riders Association members to participate in the NATC trials nationals by sharing experiences and make participation more accessible. By attending the NATC Mototrials nationals, Team STRA members have fun while
gaining valuable experience that is infused back into the club.
The mission of Team STRA is made possibly with the support of: TrialStoreUSA.com, Beta USA, Ray Peters, On the Pegs Magazine, Trials Training Center and the Southeastern Trials Riders Association.
NATALIE EUDY
I ride a Factory Beta 200cc and I had the pleasure of attending the first ever NextGen Central Youth and Women’s regional located at Tulsa Mountain Trials in Turley, OK. Riding primarily in the Southeastern United States with slippery rocks and logs, the Tulsa Mountain Trials terrain was very friendly regardless of rain or shine. I rode the W3 class and finished with a second place overall for the weekend. Saturday, I rode the first two loops well but by the third loop I started to lose focus.
Next Gen Mototrials Women's Open - Oklahoma - Women's W3
Saturday: 2nd
Sunday: 2nd
Sunday, I felt way more relaxed and ready to take on the new sections. I rode more confidently and trusted the grippiness of the rocks. Overall, the sections were great with lots of rocks and plenty of technical turns. I cannot say enough about the friendliness of the NEOTT group who hosted us, it felt as if we were right at home. A special thanks to Team STRA, TrialsStoreUSA.com, Beta USA, Trials Training Center, Ray Peters and On The Pegs Magazine.
NADINE PETRUCELLI
Next Gen Mototrials Women's Open - Tennessee - Women's W4
Friday: 1st
Saturday: 2nd
Sunday: DNS
I arrived at the beautiful Trials Training Center in Sequatchie on Thursday for practice and bike tech inspection. Friday morning I rode my first Regional on the W4 line. The women rode alongside the youth group for the weekend, which added a lot of exciting energy. I was amazed at the youth level of expertise and their ambition. It definitely kept me smiling and motivated throughout the morning. I finished the day with clean loops and First Place.
Saturday the fun commenced with rockier terrain and a new set of challenges. On my first loop I became entranced by my beautiful Beta fender and took a five. My next loop was clean and I took Second Place to Graziella Marchese Lair. She had her first clean day and it was well earned.
I thoroughly enjoyed my experience and encourage any ladies that might be hesitant to give it a try!
Many thanks to Next Gen Mototrials, TTC, the awesome checkers, Steph Vetterly and On The Pegs Magazine, Team STRA Abigail and Chris Buzzelli, TrialStoreUSA.com, Beta USA, and Ray Peters for making my first regional a memorable event.
Big hugs to my better half and minder, Pawel Bistram, who kept me laughing and on pace throughout the event!
• Full Service HeadquartersMotorcycle We sell Gas Gas, Sherco, Beta, Montesa & Scorpa
2024 SCHEDULE
March 1-3: Downhill Southeast Mountain Bike Race
March 16-17: Trials Training Days
June 22-23: NATC Mototrials National Rd 3 & 4
June 24-27: Family Camp
June 28-30: AMA/NextGen Mototrials Youth & Women's Regional Championship
August 2-25: TKO: 14th Annual Red Bull Kenda Tennessee Knock Out Extreme Enduro
October 12-13: 32nd Annual 58K Fall Trial (STRA)
December 7: Toy Trial
* All dates are subject to change
rough day at the office in west virginia
words SHAN MOORE photos ART PEPIN
ROUND 6
CJ SPRINT ENDURO NEWBURG, WV
Every top athlete has an off day from time to time. It’s how you manage your off days and come back from them is what makes a true champion.
After five-straight overall wins in the 2024 US Sprint Enduro Series and after virtually dominating the series to this point, FMF KTM Factory Racing’s Johnny Girroir had somewhat of a rough day at the office on Saturday at the CJ Raceway Sprint Enduro in
Newburg, West Virginia, as the six tests were split between four different riders. Girroir won three of those.
At the end of Saturday’s event, Girroir won the day by four seconds ahead of a close battle with Phoenix Honda’s Cody Barnes, savaging his day with a great ride in the next-to-last enduro test.
“I had a pretty high-speed crash in the second cross test on Saturday and that kind of scared me or shocked me a little bit,” said Girroir. “I wasn’t riding that great in the beginning anyway, but I picked it back up in the end and it was a good day.”
Barnes topped Rockstar Energy Racing’s Craig DeLong by nine seconds to claim second for the day with DeLong in third.
Saturday’s top five consisted of Girroir, Barnes, DeLong, FMF KTM Factory Racing Lander’s Angus Riordan, who also won the Pro2 class, and Babbitt’s Online Monster Energy Kawasaki’s JoJo Cunningham.
On Sunday, Girroir was determined and ready and he won all three cross tests and one enduro test to outpace DeLong for the win.
“Today went smooth,” said
Girroir. “I kept her off the ground, found some good speed in the cross test and had a good last enduro test, so it worked out good."
Third behind DeLong was Barnes with Riordan and Husqvarna-backed Jason Tino rounding out the top five. Riordan also topped the Pro 2 division with Tino second.
“I had a good weekend with second overall,” said Barnes. “I was competitive with Johnny plus he had a crash and I was close to him so that helped. Then today I struggled a little bit, it got a little bit drier and I kind of kind of struggled a little bit and didn't make it easy on myself. I had a bad last cross test trying to be more patient and I think that cost me on the 250. You just kind of gotta ride it more aggressive. On the last enduro test I got caught a little stump got tangled up in some trees but I was able to hold on to 2nd overall for the weekend so that was good.”
DeLong was more consistent on Sunday, finishing second.
“Today was really good,” said DeLong. “I fell in the second enduro test and probably lost 10 seconds. That really set me back because I was second behind Johnny and that fall
dropped me back to third. I had a good cross test and I won the first enduro test today, so I feel I’ve been making good improvements the last few weeks.”
Riordan was fourth again ahead of Husqvarna-backed Jason Tino.
“The weekend went well and I managed to win the Pro2 yesterday by about 25 seconds got fourth overall,” said Riordan. “Today I just maintained. I was up by just a second so I knew I had to pull something out and I was able to get Tino by a few seconds so I won both days and the overall.”
Though Girroir didn’t win every test, his brilliant riding in the remainder
of the tests garnered him the overall win for the weekend. In all, Girroir won six of the twelve tests, which gave him the overall by 28 seconds.
The two-day overall standings looked like this: 1. Johnny Girroir (1:25:38.048); Cody Barnes (1:26:06.956); Craig DeLong (1:26:11.939; Angus Riordan (1:27:21.34). Cunningham was also the top Pro-Am rider.
“Cooper Jones was on me in the cross test, he was making me go way to fast and I knew he was trouble if he beat me,” said Cunningham. “But I was a fan of the enduro test. It waws a little more tight and technical than I’m used to,
but it was a good weekend and I’m happy with my riding.”
Tino lost out on fifth by one second.
“I was a little slow yesterday, but I fought like hell today, I wanted to get Gus for the Pro2 win," said Tino.
“I got the lead going into the last enduro test and Gus poured it one and ended up winning Pro 2.”
The Pro Women’s division was won by FMF KTM Factory Racing Lander’s rider Brandy Richards continued her undefeated streak by topping Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing’s Korie Steede by a little over two minutes.
“It was a pretty good weekend,” said Richards. “Yesterday was a little bit slippery but then it dried out. Today was super dusty and super slick and I just made a few mistakes here and there but overall I had a good time.”
Steede won two tests on Sunday.
“Overall, it was a super rough weekend for me, I just wasn’t on,” said Steede. “It’s really hard to compete with brandy when you are making a lot of mistakes so Sunday I tried to turn the day around and grabbed two test wins and had the fastest enduro time in the final enduro test, so at least I improved on Sunday.”
New for 2024! FMF Fastest Test Awards – These Specialty Awards will be given to the racer of the fastest Cross Test and fastest Enduro Test on the weekend in the Youth/Amateur and Pro divisions.
YOUTH DIVISION
Super Mini SR Racer, Enduro Test – Levi Wilkins 6:35.6
Super Mini SR Racer, CrossTest – Levi Wilkins 6:50.2
AMATEUR DIVISION
Open A Racer, Enduro TestTriston Landrum 7:09.7
Open A RACER, Cross Test –Tyler Dibartolo 7:35.1
PRO DIVISION
Cooper Jones (Pro-Am), Enduro Test – 7:14.3
Johnny Girroir (Pro 1), Cross Test – 6:51.4
RESULTS
1. Jonathan Girroir (KTM)
2. Cody Barnes (HON)
3. Craig Delong (HSQ)
4. Angus Riordan (KTM)
5. Jojo Cunningham (KAW)
6. Jason Tino (HSQ)
7. Cooper Jones (KTM)
8. Gavin Smith (HSQ)
9. Collier Martinez (HON)
10. Michael Delosa (YAM)
RESULTS - PRO WOMEN
1. Brandy Richards (KTM)
2. Korie Steede (HUS)
TOTH FOURTHSTRAIGHT WIN AT LITTLE RACCOON
words and photos provided by HIGH GEAR SUCCESS photos by MACK FAINT
ROUND 5
WELLSTON, OH
Ohio has been home to numerous top enduro riders throughout the years. Riders who cut their teeth on Ohio single-track are never intimidated by steep elevation changes or technical terrain.
With more than 500 entries, at the fifth round of the 2024 Redline Oil AMA National Enduro Series, presented by MSR and Beta Motorcycles, just over 400 actually
ended up competing in the intense heat. With temperatures in the mid-90s, even the light rain the night before wouldn’t keep the dust down for long. By mid-day, the trail turned to powder.
The day started with approximately three miles of transfer departing from the Jackson County Fairgrounds. When competitors arrived at the first section, they jumped into a pine forest for six miles of flowing trail.
The next two sections treated riders to tight, technical trail filled with elevation changes and off-camber trail. The fourth test traversed through an old strip mine, before dumping riders into a 9.5-mile section that sent riders through Little Raccoon Creek and under the highway through giant culverts.
As the day stretched on, it was starting to look like survival of the fittest with the heat zapping many riders’ energy and hydration levels. The day concluded with an eight-mile test that eventually brought riders into town.
OVERALL PODIUM
Josh Toth, backed by Enduro Engineering, captured his fourth-consecutive overall win of the year aboard his GasGas machine. In addition to taking top honors and four test wins, the NE Pro1 rider was awarded a coveted raccoon skin hat as a souvenir.
“It [the race] was pretty eventful honestly,” said Toth. “I found the ground a bunch too and kind of running into some lappers. Not the cleanest day, but when I was upright, I was going fast and felt good on the bike. So yeah, linked it all together and put another win in the books. I'm stoked.”
Snatching the second step of the MSR Little Raccoon National podium was FMF KTM Factory Racing’s Johnny Girroir. He opened the day by notching his career-first enduro test win in Test 1, with three other riders hot on his tail -- finishing within five seconds of his time. Girroir backed up his test win by securing another in Test 3.
“I got my first test win ever at a national enduro -- got two of them today, so that was cool,” said Girroir. “Just like Grant [Baylor] said, I just found the
ground way too many times but felt like I had some good speed. I feel like I need to find a little more to get this guy right here [Josh Toth]. He's been killing it this year. I'm happy where I'm at and happy with what I've been learning in the few rounds that I did. It's been good. A few less mistakes. Everyone's obviously close here. I feel like it's all about the least mistakes and linking the trail together. So, a little work on that and it's good.”
Babbitt’s Online/Monster Energy Kawasaki’s Grant Baylor rounded out the podium for the 50th anniversary of the event, hosted by Appalachian Dirt Riders. It marked his third podium of the season.
“I feel like I just kind of left a lot on the table out there,” said Baylor. “I just made way too many mistakes. I don't know if I've ever wrecked that much in a race in my life. Between this week and Snowshoe [GNCC] last week, I don't know what I'm doing but I can't keep my bike on two wheels. I wrecked twice in the first test, once in the second test, twice in the third test. It just kept going on and on. Then, in the fourth test, I came over this blind rise… No danger. Nothing. Just straight drop off into a big rock garden. I hit a big boulder front-wheel first. Over the bars; bike landed on me. I mean it was a good one. Just way too much of that today. Need to keep it on two wheels.”
NE PRO2 PODIUM
Nathanial “Bubz” Tasha set the pace for the NE Pro2 class on his AmPro Yamaha. He secured two test wins, finishing no worse than second place on the other tests. He earned the NE Pro2 victory with Red Bear Racing’s Will Sievenpiper on his heels. It marked Tasha’s second class win of the year.
Sievenpiper captured the Test 1 win mounted on his Kawasaki before adding a pair of runner-up test finishes, a set of third-place finishes and a strong Test 6 victory to achieve the second-place spot on the podium.
FMF KTM Factory Racing Team
Landers rider Grant Davis pushed to secure the Test 2 victory before a high-speed, over-the-bar dismount in the third test. He was still able to lay down strong results for the remainder of the day to take third in class and seize his fifth-straight class podium.
WOMEN'S ELITE PODIUM
Red Bear Racing’s Rachael Archer, aboard a Kawasaki, led the Women’s Elite class all day, capturing four of the five test wins to claim her fifthstraight win this season.
A crash for Archer in Test 3 opened the door for Rachel Gutish to capture
a test win aboard her Sherco USAbacked machine. Gutish was happy with her fourth runner-up finish this year, but said she was exhausted due to her return from Europe where she was competing in the EnduroGP series.
Enduro Engineering’s Shelby Turner captured third in all five tests, which landed her on the final step of the podium and allowed her to achieve her fifth class-podium of the 2024 season.
TOP AMATEUR
AA class rider Cole Whitmer earned his best finish of the season, taking all but one test win in his class, and also asserted his dominance as the top amateur. The GasGas rider from Pennsylvania finished 14th overall.
View full event results and series standings at nationalenduro.com/ scoring.
The Yamaha Rattlesnake National, round six of the series, will be held in Cross Fork, Pennsylvania, on July 28.
EVENT RESULTS (NE PRO1)
1. Josh Toth (GG)
2. Johnny Girroir (KTM)
3. Grant Baylor (KAW)
4. Steward Baylor JR (KAW)
5. Evan Smith (HUS)
6. Ryder Lafferty (GG)
7. Ricky Russell (YAM)
8. Nathaniel Tasha (YAM)
9. Will Sievenpiper (KAW)
10. Grant Davis (KTM)
EVENT RESULTS (WOMENS ELITE)
1. Rachael Archer (KAW)
2. Rachel Gutish (SHR)
3. Shelby Turner (GG)
4. Brooke Cosner (KAW)
5. Emma Hasbell (BET)
6. Prestin Raines (SHR)