NORBA NCS #3 - E1

USA, May 21-23, 2004

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Stage 6 - May 23: Downhill

Carter, Jonnier dominate downhill mania

Duo Sweeps Gravity Events on the weekend

By Andy Lee, USA Cycling

The third round of the NORBA National Mountain Bike Series in Big Bear Lake, Calif. marked the introduction of "downhill mania" , the eagerly awaited downhill format that is a cross between traditional downhill racing and four-up mountain cross. And to help introduce the format were the world's best gravity riders as they went head to head down a treacherous downhill course.

With four riders exiting the gate at the top of the mountain together, the ensuing rush to the bottom resulted in only the top-two moving on to contest the next round. After yesterday's dual slalom that featured Eric Carter (Temecula, Calif.) and Australian Sam Hill in the men's finals and Sabrina Jonnier (FRA) and Tara Llanes (Los Alamitos, Calif.) in the women's finals, odds were that at least some combination of that foursome would reprise their roles in the finals in today's "downhill mania".

After the morning's qualifying round, Marla Streb (Los Osos, Calif.), Jonnier, Bernardita Pizarro (CHI) and Kathy Pruitt grabbed the top four seeds respectively in the women's event and Greg Minnaar (RSA), Steve Peat (GBR), Mick Hannah (AUS) and Jared Graves (AUS) posted the best men's qualifying times.

Seedings were insignificant, however, when it came to the final as Peat was the only top-four seed to make it all the way through to the finals. He was joined by Carter, John Kirkaldie (NZL), and American, David Klaasenvanoorschot. In a repeat performance from last year, Carter took the downhill win to sweep both gravity events on the weekend.

The women's final was a different story as the top four seeds in qualifying made it through to the final run. In the final, it was Jonnier who took the win completing a sweep of her own after also winning yesterday's dual slalom.

Following yesterday's dual slalom event which counted towards the NORBA National Mountain Bike Series overall Mountain Cross standings, Carter and Jonnier, propelled by yesterday's wins, lead the overall standings.

Results

Men
 
1 Eric Carter (USA)
 
Women
 
1 Sabrina Jonnier (Fra)
 
Overall Standings after three events
 
Men
 
1 Eric Carter          558 pts
2 Wade Bootes          531
3 Mick Hannah          500
4 Mike King            497
5 Rich Houseman        430
 
Women
 
1 Sabrina Jonnier      584 pts
2 Jill Kintner         559
3 Tara Llanes          552
4 Katrina Miller       531
5 Melissa Buhl         475