JUAREZ, JENKINS DOMINATE VAIL LAKE
By Phil Beckman/PB Creative — Vail Lake Resort was host to the opening round of the 2013 Kenda Cup West Series presented by Cannondale and Rock N’ Road Cyclery. Ideal racing conditions and a fast, rolling, typically high-desert, eight-mile course provided a good turnout of ambitious regional athletes a promising start to the season. This event also served as the opening race of the U.S. Cup Endurance Series, sending riders out for a 50-mile, multi-lap slog around this venue’s rolling, high desert terrain.
Mountain bike icon/Methusela David “Tinker” Juarez (Sho-Air/Cannondale) was the victor in that marathon sufferfest, claiming the Open Men’s class and overall honors in just over three hours. Brothers Ben Bostrom (Specialized) and Eric Bostrom (Sho-Air/Cannondale) rounded out the top three, respectively.
Charles Jenkins (KHS) emerged from an early three-man breakaway to slay the three-lap, 24-mile Pro Men’s class, riding a 650b-wheeled bike across the line nearly a minute ahead of Elliot Reinecke (Skuld Racing/Velo Hangar). The last step of the podium belonged to Gustavo Pedroza (Ellin Cycling Team).
Only three Pro Women started at Vail Lake, but none were able to complete all three laps. Deyanira Guerrero (Veloz/Ellsworth) was awarded first place, with Vanessa Humic (Stan’s NoTubes) and Larissa Fitchett (Team Lost) filling out the podium.
For full results and the upcoming schedule, visit the U.S. Cup website.
