April 7, 2006 (Monterey, CA) — Switzerland’s Ralph Naef (SUI, Multivan Merida) put his head down and pushed his body to the limit today to win Stage 2 of the Sea Otter Classic Pro Men’s Stage Race. The two-mile time trial demanded that riders put everything all on the line, as any lapse in concentration or effort cost precious seconds. Jean-Christophe Peraud (FRA, Orbea) couldn’t match Naef’s pace and wound up second. Sam Schultz (USA, U23 National Team) stopped the clock with the third-fastest time.

Geoff Kabush (CAN, Maxxis) was the top Canadian finisher was with a solid fourth place. Other Canadians results include a 9th courtesy of Max Plaxton (CAN, Rocky Mountain-Business Objects), 15th from Mathieu Toulouse (CAN, Maxxis), 20th from Ricky Federau (CAN, Team R.A.C.E.) and 22nd from Roddi Lega (CAN, Norco).

Results (3.2 km)
1. Ralph Naef (SUI, Multivan Merida)
2. Jean-Christophe Peraud (FRA, Orbea)
3. Sam Schultz (USA, U23 National Team)
4. Geoff Kabush (CAN, Maxxis)
5. Liam Killeen (GBR, Specialized)
6. Jose Antonio Hermida (ESP, Multivan Merida)
7. Bart Brentjens (NED, Giant)
8. Michael Broderick (USA, Seven Cycles-Kenda)
9. Max Plaxton (CAN, Rocky Mountain-Business Objects)
10. Matt Kelly (USA, Subaru-Gary Fisher)

15. Mathieu Toulouse (CAN, Maxxis)
20. Ricky Federau (CAN, Team R.A.C.E.)
22. Roddi Lega (CAN, Norco)
33. Kris Sneddon (Can) Kona Les Gets Factory Team s.t.
41. Troy Misseghers (Can) Mountain Bike City all s.t.
47. Dallas Morris (Can) Deadgoat Racing 0:27
49. Neal Kindree (Can) Kona Factory 0:28
58. Craig Richey (Can) Cove Bikes 0:35
71. Matthew Cottrell (Can) On The Edge Race Club 0:43