April 17, 2010 (Monterey, CA) – On a record third day of sunshine, the Sea Otter pro women’s Short Track was destined to go to the fastest rider out of the first turn as many competitors found themselves either stacked up, or so slowed that there was no way to regroup and chase the leaders on such a tough track .

The top 10 riders broke out and set their own pace as Georgia Gould (Luna) dominated the race from the onset. Gould, who rarely has a bad day, put in a stellar performance not allowing others riders the chance to bridge to her. She stuck with it to the end of the 20 minute + 3 laps of a very dusty and muddy course: “I could see that the only way to win this race was to get the jump and go and not look back, luckily it worked for me.”

The next group of three chasers included Canadian Catharine Pendrel (Luna) who fought off Lene Byberg (Nor) Specialized taking and Willow Koerber (USA) Subaru-Gary Fisher for most of the race to finish 3rd – Byberg finished second and Koerber 4th. “My legs were not as sharp this weekend as they were last year, but for next weekend (at the MTB World Cup opener in Britain volcanic ash permitting) I hope it will show. One of my team mates went down in the first corner so it was really important to get good position on this kind of track and I was worried that I wouldn’t get up there, but I did. It was fun to have a teammate out front to play it, and it helped so much after I chased and was able to work with her…”

Last year’s winner, Canada’s rising star, Emily Batty, now with Trek World Racing, claimed 5th as she was not able to bridge to the lead group, fighting the headwinds alone. “The legs were burning a little. It was a really fast race so I sat in the wind and just kept pace. It’s only my second race of the year so I’m just riding tempo for now and getting my legs into shape….and I’m saving myself a bit for Sunday’s xc race so hopefully I’ll do better.”

Results

1. Georgia Gould (USA) Luna
2. Lene Byberg (Nor) Specialized
3. Catharine Pendrel (Can) Luna
4. Willow Koerber (USA) Subaru-Gary Fisher
5. Emily Batty (Can) Trek World Racing

10. Mical Dyck (Can) Trek Canada