March 5, 2005 – A cloud cover and light drizzle over Texas hill country set the stage for the first day of racing in the 2005 Shimano NORBA National Mountain Bike Series. The stage race format began with yesterday’s time trial, in which Canadian riders Geoff Kabush and Alison Sydor posted the fastest times.

The time trial was held in a different part of the resort than where the cross-country races will be held, making use of approximately three miles of the property’s horse trails. Top pros including several 2004 Olympians christened their 2005 season on the three-mile course.

Among the familiar faces on Friday was 2004 Olympic silver medalist Marie Helene Premont (CAN). She was the first to line up for her race against the clock and managed to maintain the time to beat until three-time World Champion Alison Sydor posted a 12:27.5. Premont held onto second place with a 12:39.6. Shonny Vanlandingham (Durango, Colo.) was the fastest American in the women’s race, while Sue Haywood (Davis, W.Va.) and Willow Koerber (Arlington, Va.) finished within tenths of a second of each other to round out the top five.

The men’s event featured plenty of talent with all of the top guns fighting to claim the first win of the season. Trent Lowe (AUS) had an impressive ride, and it was obvious he had a good time as he powered down the final stretch. Clocking a 10:42, the Aussie moved into the hot seat with the final men still to come. Although it was an extraordinary time, the crowd anticipated the arrival of Geoff Kabush – the last man out of the gate. Sure enough, Kabush stole the top spot on the podium with a 10:39.6. Adam Craig (Bend, Ore.) secured third place in 11:30, while Jeremy Horgan-Kobelski (Boulder, Colo.) and Chris Sheppard (CAN) claimed fourth and fifth respectively.

Also on Friday’s agenda was a marathon at Flat Rock Ranch in nearby Comfort. Stunning hill country views and great single track makes Flat Rock Ranch one of the premier courses in the state. Riders suffered through 2 ½ loops of the figure eight course for a total of 63 miles. Jeremiah Bishop (Harrisonburg, Va.) and Gretchen Reeves (Boulder, Colo.) took the wins.

Pro action continues today with stage two – a short track cross-country event on a spectator-friendly course winding through and around the venue.

Pro Men’s Time Trial Results (unofficial)

1. Geoff Kabush 10:39.6
2. Trent Lowe 10:42
3. Adam Craig 11:3
4. Jeremy Horgan-Kobelski 11:03.7
5. Chris Sheppard 11:03.9

Pro Women’s Time Trial Results (unofficial)

1. Alison Sydor 12:27.5
2. Marie Helene Premont 12:39.6
3. Shonny Vanlandingham 12:45.9
4. Sue Haywood 12:46.3
5. Willow Koerber 12:46.9

Open Men’s Marathon Results (unofficial)

1. Jeremiah Bishop 4:26:17
2. Chris Eatough 4:35:13
3. Karl Platt 4:44:05
4. Jay Henry 4:44:05
5. Andy Johnston 4:54:42

Open Women’s Marathon Results (unofficial)

1. Gretchen Reeves 5:21:5
2. Melissa Thomas 5:24:32
3. Kyia Malenkovich 5:37:5
4. Shannon Gibson 5:46:50
5. Monique Sawicki 5:57:42