Crank The Shield Stage 2 Report, Results, Photos – Kabush Scores

report by CTS

September 16, 2012 (Haliburton, ON) – Sunny skies and awesome singletrack put a smile on rider’s faces on the second day of Crank The Shield 2012 that saw riders complete a giant loop, starting and finishing just outside of their lodging at the luxurious Camp White Pine. In a stark contrast to the first stage, rider’s enjoyed the most singletrack laden stage of the race under sunny skies and warm temperatures.

Featuring many of Haliburton’s best kept riding spots such as the Glebe and Wanakita Trails, the second stage was described by many as the best stage in the race’s four year history.

Once again, it was the Scott-3Rox team controlling things at the front of the race with riders from both Trek Canada and Norco Factory also in the mix. Using team tactics to isolate solo challenger Andrew L’Esperance (Norco Factory), Kabush attacked early bringing with him the tag of Jette and Douglas and leaving Zandstra the task of controlling the powerful young L’Esperance.

Not content to sit back and watch the race unfold, Zandstra used a passing car to his advantage and made a move to bridge up to the leaders, mistakenly taking L’Esperance with him. After several more attempts to drop the Norco rider and a flat by Douglas, Kabush and Zandstra were finally able to break free with Kabush crossing the line first overall.

Cayley Brooks (Trek Canada) was the fastest solo female and the mixed team of Watson and Smith (Norco Factory) repeated their stage one victory.

After a fifteen kilometer neutral ride, the final stage of the race will begin Sunday at Sir Sam’s Ski and Bike. Known for its amazing singletrack and breathtaking views of Haliburton Forest, riders will finish the race with some of the best singletrack in the area. Tired legs will take solace in the shortest stage of the race and will be greeted at the finish in Haliburton Forest by their families and a huge feast fit for Kings and Queens.