September 23, 2004 – The inaugural USA Cycling Mountain Bike National
Championships got underway this morning at Mammoth Mountain Resort. Dave
Wiens (Gunnison, Colo.) and Gretchen Reeves (Augusta, Ga.) claimed the
first victories under the new one-day national championship format in
today’s marathon.

It was a beautiful day for racing, as blue skies and cool mountain air
sent racers out for three laps of the 21.8 mile circuit. The tough course
saw riders climb 6,204 feet and reach a maximum elevation of 9,165 feet. A
field of 42 battled it out for the stars and stripes jerseys that were
awarded to winners in the men’s and women’s open categories as well as men
19-29, 30-39, 40-49, 50+, and women 19-29 and 40+. Several notable names
lined up for the start, including the legendary Tinker Juarez (Downey,
Calif.), 2004 NORBA National Marathon Series winner Dave Wiens, and
two-time winner on the NORBA National marathon circuit this summer –
Charlie Storm (Carey, N.C.).

Jimi Mortenson (Eagle, Colo.), Charlie Storm, Jay Henry (Avon, Colo.),
Tinker Juarez, and Dave Wiens made up the early lead group, completing the
first 21.8 miles in 1 hour, 23 minutes. Gretchen Reeves took an immediate
lead in the open women’s race and formed a one minute gap over her nearest
threat – Melissa Thomas (Boulder, Colo.).

By the end of lap two, the lead group had decreased to three with Dave
Wiens, Jay Henry, and Charlie Storm setting the pace at the front. Juarez
and Mortenson were not far behind as the racers went in for the final lap.
Reeves picked up the pace in lap two and increased her distance from
Thomas to three minutes.

As the riders made their way down the homestretch, the crowd received word
that Wiens had broken off the front and formed a 45 second gap over Storm.
Juarez and Mortenson both passed Henry as they attempted to bridge up to
the leaders. Wiens was able to hang on for the win, despite strong efforts
by his competition. Following the new national champion was silver
medalist Charlie Storm. Three-time NORBA Series Champion and two-time
Olympian Tinker Juarez secured third, followed by Mortenson in fourth.
Michael Janelle (Avon, Colo.) spent the final lap working his way up in
the field, and earned the final podium spot this afternoon.

Gretchen Reeves did not relinquish her lead for the entire race, earning
the stars and stripes jersey ahead of today’s silver medalist Melissa
Thomas – who was fourth in the NORBA National marathon series this year.
2004 NORBA National marathon series winner Monique Sawicki (Trabuco
Canyon, Calif.) followed in third, while Shannon Gibson (El Paso, Texas)
and Cristina Begy earned fourth and fifth respectively.

Open Men’s Marathon Results

1. Dave Wiens
2. Charlie Storm
3. Tinker Juarez
4. Jimi Mortenson
5. Michael Janelle

Open Women’s Marathon Results

1. Gretchen Reeves
2. Melissa Thomas
3. Monique Sawicki
4. Shannon Gibson
5. Cristina Begy