June 14, 2004 – As in yesterday’s cross country contest, today’s downhill final was a tale of diversity as the victories were split between a first time NORBA winner in the women’s race and a seasoned pro in the men’s event. Reigning World Champion, Greg Minnaar (RSA) captured the men’s race while relative newcomer, Bernardita Pizarro Lazo (CHI) scored the win in the women’s event.

Earlier in the day, Minnaar posted the fastest qualifying time of 5:36.3 over the technically challenging course that deteriorated throughout the weekend due to rains and several competitions prior to the time the pros took the stage. His performance in the qualifying round suggested that a win was well within reach, besting the nearest competitor by over 15 seconds as John Kirkcaldie (NZL) clocked a 5:51.9. Dustin Adams (CAN) rode to the third best qualifying time in 5:55.6.

In women’s qualifying, Marla Streb (Los Osos, Calif.) rode over 22 seconds faster than her closest threat posting a 7:27.4 to Lazo’s 7:49.7. Dawn Borque (Rhino, N.H.) rounded out the top three in the qualifying round with a 8:03.4.

In the final, Minnar shaved 14 seconds of his qualifying time on the way to his commanding victory. Maxxis Tires teammates Kirkcaldie and Colin Bailey (Yucaipa, Calif.) claimed second and third respectively posting a 5:29.02 and a 5:31.74.

Bryan Atkinson (AUS) and Jared Graves (AUS) filled the remaining two podium spots placing fourth and fifth.

In the women’s final, Lazo descended the mountain in a time of 7:12.10, narrowly beating second place finisher, Kathy Pruitt (Lake Almanor, Calif.) by just over three seconds. Pruitt’s teammate Streb took third with a time of 7:21.77, while April Lawyer (Murrieta, Calif.) and Borque completed the podium in fourth and fifth place respectively.

The U.S. mountain bike scene next travels to Mt. Snow, Vt. for round five of the 2004 NORBA National Mountain Bike Series next weekend.