June 20, 2004 (Mount Snow, Vt.) – Round five of the NORBA National Championship Mountain Bike Series continued today in Mount Snow, Vt. with the cross-country event that featured two new faces at the top of the podium.

Willow Koerber (Asheville, N.C.) was without a doubt the talk of the day as she rode to her first NORBA cross-country victory in what could be considered the biggest performance of her career. Liam Killeen (GBR) bested Roland Green (CAN) to take his first win on the NORBA circuit as well. In the women’s race, Koerber broke away from the rest of the field within the first few minutes. On the first descent, she had a strong lead on Kerry Barnholt (Boulder, Colo.). By the end of the first lap, Koerber was an unbelievable 2 and a half minutes ahead of her nearest threat – who just happened to be teammate Jimena Florit (ARG).

On a technical course that makes it difficult to maintain pace, Koerber was able to sustain her efforts for all three laps, and teammate Jimena stayed in second for the final two.

Kelli Emmett put forth a strong effort for her podium finish.An elated Willow crossed the finish line with a final time of 2:06:31. Just over three minutes later, Florit claimed second position. Shonny Vanlandingham (Durango, Colo.), Kelli Emmett (Colorado Springs, Colo.), and Kiara Bisaro (CAN) took third, fourth, and fifth respectively.

When asked about her thoughts during the race, Koerber said she was constantly asking herself, “What’s going on?” She was surprised, but after a while decided not to think about it anymore. “I guess that’s what it feels like when you’re winning,” she responded. “I felt confident though because I knew I had some legs, and most importantly – spirit.”

In the men’s race, Liam Killeen broke off the front and created a strong gap in the first lap which he maintained for the remainder of the race. At the halfway point, Liam’s nearest threat – Roland Green – was over a minute behind. Adam Craig (Corinth, Me.), Geoff Kabush (CAN), and Seamus McGrath (CAN) chased.

The course, which is arguably the most difficult on the circuit, claimed several victims in the race’s early stages including Chris Sheppard (CAN), Trent Lowe (AUS), Frank Mapel (Durango, Colo.), and Ryan Trebon (Coravallis, Ore.).

Killeen crossed the line in 2:22:51, with Roland Green in second place. After putting forth a strong effort, New England’s own Adam Craig took the third spot on the podium. Travis Brown (Boulder, Colo.) and Seamus McGrath rounded out the podium in fourth and fifth. “I knew if I could get ahead on the first lap that I could win,” Killeen said after the race. “I’ve really enjoyed coming to the U.S. and NORBA is a great series.”

Adam Craig put forth an incredible effort today among some of the world’s best riders. “This course is the best course in the entire world,” he commented. “It was the beginning of my career, and it’s always been good to me.”

The fifth stop on the NORBA circuit ends tomorrow with the downhill and short track competitions.

Alan Obye of the U23 National MTB Team had an incredible race, finishing in 13th place.

Women’s XC Results

1. Willow Koerber (Ashveille, N.C.)

2. Jimena Florit (ARG)

3. Shonny Vanlandingham (Durango, Colo.)

4. Kelli Emmett (Colorado Springs, Colo.)

5. Kiara Bisaro (CAN)

Men’s XC Results

1. Liam Killeen (GBR)

2. Roland Green (CAN)

3. Adam Craig (Corinth, Me.)

4. Travis Brown (Boulder, Colo.)

5. Seamus McGrath (CAN)

Men’s Standings After 5 Rounds

1. Travis Brown (Boulder, Colo.)

2. Chris Sheppard (CAN)

3. Geoff Kabush (CAN)

4. Ryan Trebon (USA)

5. Jay Henry (Avon, Colo.)

Women’s Standings after 5 Rounds

1. Shonny Vanlandingham (Durango, Colo.)

2. Jimena Florit (ARG)

3. Willow Koerber (Asheville, N.C.)

4. Dara Marks-Marino (Flagstaff, Ariz.)

5. Katerina Hanusova (CZE)