May 6, 2006 (Fontana, CA) – Pro racing got under way yesterday with Mountain Cross qualifiers on Day One of the first round of the 2006 National Mountain Bike Series, held at Southridge Park, Fontana.

In the pro men’s category, Australia’s Jared Rando (Giant/Michelin), 25, of Canberra, finished ahead of US riders Cody Warren (C-Dub Racing), 21, Alpine, Calif. and Rich Houseman(Yeti/Fox Racing), 28, of Golden, Colo. Dale Holmes (KHS), 35, of Great Britain finished fourth.

The pro women’s category was won by Leana Gerrard (Bear Naked/Cannondale), 21, of Lake Tapps, Wash. , ahead of South African rider Joanna Petterson (Morewood Bikes), 27, and April Lawyer (Maxxis), 31, of Bend, Oregon.

Saturday sees the pro Super D, Cross Country and the Mountain Cross finals events; Sunday is Downhill and Short Track day.

2006 Norba National Mountain Bike Series Schedule

– May 5-7: Southridge Park, Fontana, CA…XC/ST/DH/MTX/SD
– Jun 10-11: Sugar Mountain Resort, Banner Elk, NC…XC/ST/DH/DS/SD
– Jun 17-18: Mount Snow Resort, West Dover, VT…XC/ST/DH/DS/SD/MTX
– Jul 8-9: Deer Valley Resort, Park City, UT…XC/ST/DH/SD/DS/MA
– Jul 15-16: Infineon Raceway, Sonoma, CA…MTX/XC/DH
– Aug 5-6: Brian Head Resort, Brian Head, UT…DS/XC/DH/ST/SD/MA
– Aug 12-13: Snowmass Resort, Aspen, CO…DS/XC/DH/ST/SD

Norba # 1 – Mtn. X Qualifiers

Women
1. Leana Gerrard (USA) Bear Naked/Cannondale Mtb
2. Joanna Petterson (RSA) Morewood Bikes
3. April Lawyer (USA) Maxxis
4. Wendy Reynolds (USA) Beqar Naked/Cannondale/Sport Legs
5. Anka Martin (RSA) Honda/Ironhorse

Men
1. Jared Rando (Aus) Giant/Michelin
2. Cody Warren (USA) C-Dub Racing
3. Rich Houseman (USA) Yeti/Fox Racing Factory Team
4. Dale Holmes (GBr) Khs Bicycles
5. James Schwanke (USA) Kenda Utopia Sdg

About The National Mountain Bike Series

The National Mountain Bike Series (NMBS) identifies the most consistently brilliant Mountain Bike competitors in North America. The series is owned and sanctioned by USA Cycling, the national governing body for the sport of cycling in the United States. The NMBS is licensed and managed as a separate entity by a consortium comprising of Team Big Bear, Inc. and Blue Wolf Events, LLC. It is the highest ranked Mountain Bike racing series in the United States. For more information please email info@norbanationals.com or visit www.norbanationals.com.