March 22, 2004 (Fountain Hills, Arizona) – The desert town of Fountain Hills, AZ hosted the 2nd annual Nova Desert Classic Cross Country Stage Race this past weekend. This event followed NORBA #1' s example with a three-stage format with Time Trial Friday, Short Track Saturday and Long Course XC Sunday.
NORBA series leader Geoff Kabush aboard his brand new Turner Woody hard tail ably represented team Maxxis. Under extremely warm temperatures and blazing sun, the men's time trialists hit the eight-mile long, hard pack and rocky course. Kabush chose the Maxxis Larsen Mimo for his assault. An unfortunate series of flat tires ended Geoff's race day and sent him walking the course back to the tech area and team trailer. With desert racing, cactus needles and pinch flats are the name of the game. Finishing times saw Max Plaxton (Rocky Mountain-Business Objects) take the lead over Ryder Hesjedal (Subaru-Gary Fisher) and Andreas Hestler (Rocky Mountain-Business Objects).
Stage two presented the men with a difficult short track, complete with drop-offs and whoop jumps. From the starting gun, Kabush set out at the front with the group just off his wheel. The course proved to be an exceptional display for the Rock Shox World Cup on Kabush's bike. The handle bar mounted lockout system proved to be easily activated throughout the course, providing suspension only when and where needed. Midway through the event, the oppressive heat began to takes it's toll as athletes shuffled the order leaving Geoff just off the leaders pace. At the line it was Hesjedal, Plaxton, and Jeremy Horgan-Kobelski (RLX-Polo Sport) with Kabush coming home in seventh spot.
Race day Sunday dawned bright, windy and hotter than Hades. With temperatures nearing the 100-degree mark, the men took to the line complete with ice packs and frozen bottles. The starting pistol saw the fast start and orange colors of Geoff Kabush taking the hole shot. Riding the Larsen Mimo Super Tacky, cornering proved to be the difference on the opening parade lap as the other athletes hit their brakes and skidded through the apex. After leading the entire first lap, Geoff dropped back to the chase group in hopes of conserving a bit of energy for the windy straight-aways. With groupo compatto, Hesjedal saw his opportunity to attack, quickly distancing himself to a 20 second gap. Teammate Liam Killeen soon followed suit followed closely by Hestler and Chris Sheppard (Haro Bikes). Maintaining this order through the final two laps and with only time difference changing, Hesjedal took the victory. Team Maxxis rider Geoff Kabush rolled across the line in seventh place on the day.
Final GC
1. Ryder Hesjedal – Subaru-Gary Fisher
2. Liam Killeen – Subaru- Gary Fisher
3. Max Plaxton – Rocky Mountain
34. Geoff Kabush – Maxxis