April 18, 2008 (Laguna Seca, Monterey, CA) — The 2008 Sea Otter Classic, running from April 17-20 this year, kicked off with the Super D Pro Finals today. High cross winds and sudden temperature shifts caused several breaks at the onset of both the men’s and women’s races. The events, separated by a 5-minute interval, were run on virtually the same 4.8km course as in 2007 except this year featured a shorter 200-meter flat before the finish line.

Both races featured smaller fields as the 2008 UCI MTB World Cup opener is in Houffalize, Belgium, this weekend so many top riders are there. The men’s race had 20 starters and 12 finishers, while the women had 16 riders on the start line with 14 finishing.

Pushing the envelope down a fire road with a minimal grade downwards, this Super D was considered a “Dud” by many as technically it had few challenges. Yet the winds coming in from the Pacific Ocean managed to create drama from the start as riders were noticeably fighting the elements within the first km. Riders soon began melting in the fog at the highest point where harsh crosswinds hit them with the sun hiding under a low fog bank chilling the mostly short jersey clad group.

By the first uphill challenge in the men’s race, Carl Decker (USA) Giant had already established his dominance in the lead group of top three finishers that included Jurgen Decker (Ger) Marin and 2007 Canadian National Cyclocross champion, Mike Garrigan (Jetpower). The chase groups were left far behind within the first km so there was virtually no competition in this thin field. Ontario’s Eric Batty (Can) Trek Bicycles Store Team and Adam Morka (Can) 3 Rox Cycling did not finish.

In the women’s race it seems like Emily Van Meter (USA) SoBe/Cannondale would dominate the race as she flew out in front leading the race with Kelli Emmitt (USA) Giant and Canada’s Jean Ann McKirdy (Rocky Mountain) following in third up the toughtest hill. But Meter faded as the lanky Lea Davison (USA) Trek/VW showed the field how its done during the last 400 meters kicking past McKirdy at the line at 1.3 seconds ahead for the one-two finish.

Mary-Ellen Ash (Can) Easton/Sugarcrm/Specialized placed 7th while Kaitlin Michener (Can) Arrow Racing from Ontario finished in 8th place beating Jamie Stamps by 0.4 seconds. Top rider, Emily Batty (Can) Trek Store Toronto, did not finish.

Stay tuned for more coverage of the short track competition on Saturday.

Results

Elite Men

1. Carl Decker (USA) Giant 5.47.2
2. Jurgen Beneke (Ger) Marin 0.04.1
3. Michael Garrigan (Can) Jetpower 0.11.2
4. Bryan Fawley (USA) TX Tough/Hotel San Jose 0.19.3
5. Travis Brown (USA) Trek / VW 0.22.3
6. Kenji Takeya (Jpn) Specialized Japan 0.23.8
7. Michael Raney (USA) 0.30.9
8. Waylon Smith (USA) 0.33.7
9. Manuel Prado (CRC) Sho-Air/Rock N Road 0.38.3
10. Luke Rozanski (USA) 0.43.1
11. Matt Googe (USA) 0.54.9
12. Kyle Salisbury (USA) 1.03.9
DNF Eric Carter (USA)
DNF Eric Batty (Can) Trek Bicycles Store Team
DNF Ryan Stayskal (USA)
DNF Adam Morka (Can) 3 Rox Cycling
DNF Amon Pease (USA) Team Lost Coast Brewery
DNF Miles Lamon (USA)
DNF Joseph Smith (USA)
DNF Ross Schnell (USA) Trek/VW

Elite Women

1. Lea Davison (USA) Trek / VW 6.44.5
2. Jean Anne McKirdy (Can) Rocky Mountain 0.01.3
3. Kelli Emmett (USA) Giant 0.02.1
4. Rachel Lloyd 0.02.4
5. Kathy Sherwin (USA) SoBe / Cannondale 0.06.6
6. Emily Van Meter (USA) SoBe / Cannondale 0.13.5
7. Mary-Ellen Ash (Can) Easton/Sugarcrm/Specialized 0.18.0
8. Kaitlin Michener (Can) Arrow Racing 0.31.5
9. Jamie Stamps 0.31.9
10. Sara Bresnick-Zocchi 0.38.2
11. Amanda Riley-Carey (USA) Kenda/Titus/Hayes 0.38.9
12. Johanna Kraus 0.39.5
13. Alexandria Fabbro 0.42.6
14. Abigail Nippely 1.16.6
DNF Emily Batty (Can) Trek Store Toronto
DNF Marla Streb (USA) Luna Women’s MTB Team