By Dorothy Wong
Jan. 17, 2010 - A cool, but welcoming morning was upon us at our UCI-famed Hansen Dam Park in Los Angeles this final day of the season filled with lots of fun racing with our core cross crowd -- new SoCal High School MTB League and snappy BMX 10-14 and younger nationally ranked kids coming all the way from San Diego to celebrate the finale of the season. First up the Juniors and Youth races with 19 racers hitting the course. Our largest field, the 15-18 Junior Men showcased the up-and-coming SoCal MTB League racers getting in some training as they are set to begin their season in March. Gregory Celestano of Team SoCalCross also racing for the Hart District High School MTB team this season socaldirt.org charged off the front from the start showcasing his MTB skills up the steep hillside early in the race. The chasers included series leader, Edward Kronfli (PAA), Jessie Rogers (SoCalCross) and Ryan Matter (Simi Cycling Center). Eventually the leader was caught with Edward and Ryan sticking together to the end until Edward Kronfli made his move to take the win. The two Hannah's won their races, Hannah Eckvahl (Velo Bella) in the 10-14 and Hannah Rae Finchamp (SoCalCross) in the 15-18 race. Doug Hall (Rock N Road) was the fastest on the day in the 10-14 men's race also winning the overall series title. The most exciting race of the season has been the Youth races where kids 10 and under can race one lap of the CX course. From the BMX world, Brody McDonald (Snap) and his sister Kylyn (TK Racing) and Aaron Ward came to play. The three shot through the course with amazing skills and determination finishing within 30 seconds of each other and all sprinting to the line with Brody taking the win and the Youth title.
Masters titles were handed out to the men and women with Brent Prenzlow (Celo Pacific) taking the win and the Cross Fever 35+ men's title in a close race with Garnet Vertican (Giant) on the day. Robert DeFerrante (PAA) took the win with three straight wins. Bob Llamas held off course designer and team mate JL Livesay both from co-host team Montrose Bike Shop for the title, with Rick Swanson (Radsport) winning the day. In the masters women's race. Dino Lawson (Celo Pacific) took the 35+ title, Paula Rogers (SoCalCross) the 45+ title, with the day going to Alex Fabbro (Velo Bella) winning the 45+ and Robin MacDonald-Foley (Trek Bikes of Ventura/Judgement Velo) winning the first ever 55+ category!
Elite titles went to Brent Prenzlow (Celo Pacific) for the men 1-4 Dot Wong (SoCalCross) for the women 1-3. Nancy Klinger (SoCalCross) won the Cat 4 women's title while Matt Mangum (Montrose Bike Shop) won the men's 4 and Chris Bassett (Mafia Racing) taking the Men's 3/4 title.
Single Speed titles went to Geoff Albert (SoCalCross) in the elite 1-4 class and Greg Page (Cal Pacific Exporters) winning the SS 3/4 title.
Check out some race photos by: Kenneth Hill
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