July 31, 2004 (Sandpoint, Idaho) – Mountain cross action kicked off round six of the 2004 NORBA National Mountain Bike Series this afternoon at Schweitzer Mountain Resort.

Nathan Rennie (AUS) and Jill Kitner (Murrieta, Calif.) claimed the top seeds going into tomorrow’s finals. The brand new course, which features a rock garden, saw a high amount of punctures today. Victims included Marla Streb (Los Osos, Calif.) who had to nurse a front flat tire to the finish line.

Kitner edged out Tara Llanes (Los Alamitos, Calif.) for the top qualifying mark. Melissa Buhl (Chandler, Ariz.) and Kathy Pruitt (Lake Almanor, Calif.) clocked the third and fourth fastest times respectively.

On the men’s side, Nathan Rennie took the top seed over Jared Graves (AUS). Brian Schmith (Lancaster, Calif.) and Eric Carter (Temecula, Calif.) followed. Fans were excited to see Flyin’ Brian Lopes (Trabuco Canyon, Calif.) return to the NORBA gravity scene after missing most of the 2003 and 2004 seasons due to injury. 2002 saw Lopes win the NORBA National title, the World Cup title, and the World Championship rainbow jersey in mountain cross. Lopes qualified in fifth place today.

Eric Carter and Jill Kitner lead the mountain cross standings going into tomorrow’s finals which will see 16 women and 32 men compete for the crowns.

Also on tap for tomorrow is the Super D competition, and the cross country finals, where spectators will be able to catch a glimpse of several 2004 Olympians.