Ringside: National Master Champion Johnny O and Sho Air Teammate Todd Stephenson put on a show right from the beginning.
Hey MBA!
Team Sho-Air/Specialized dominated the Southridge Norba National Mountain Bike Series opening in Fontana, CA. Five of our Mens Cross-Country division winners were ours, with seven additional riders finishing on the podium. This was one of the best amateur teams in Norba’s history.
The National Pro debut by Team Sho-Airs Manuel Prado was equally impressive. Manuel finished a hard-fought 15th after going up against Adam Craig, Geoff Kabush and Ryan Trebon. Prado made the most of his knowledge about the course and used a 9kg Specialized S-Works Epic to cut through the field. This was after Prado started in the third row.
Johnny OMara was the Expert rider who was most dominant. OShow won the Expert 45-49 division with a time of over five minutes faster than his nearest rival. He also posted the fastest lap class, Semipro, in which he was the fastest. The 45-49 National XC Champ still shows the young men how fast he can go around the course.
After being out of action for the past few months due to health issues, Ty Kady was back in Semipros. Ty finished second in his first race back, his first serious effort of 2008.
Flagstaff’s Josh Kelley had another great ride in the Mens Pro/Semi Single Speed Class. Josh won his first National event after moving up from the expert category last year. Kelley was the fastest semipro on a single speed, and was constantly on the gas. As the season progresses, this kid will be a popular choice.
Chuck Ross won another Specialized S-Works Epic and captured the Expert 35-39 class. Chuck won the Bonelli California State Series opener, and is now two for two in 2008. After a disappointing Bonelli Park 5th, Mike Hileman of Nevada took a well-deserved 2nd place in the highly competitive Expert-40-44 division. Hileman dissected the Fontana racetrack using his Specialized S-Works hardtail. Jon Miller, the Expert 55-59 class winner, also rode on a Specialized S-Works Epic. He gave a riding lesson on the choppy Fontana track. Antioch’s Bob Blatner, a Specialized S-Works Epic rider, won the Mens Expert 60-64 category. If his early season form is anything to go by, Bob is the defending XC National Champion 60-64 division. He looks well on his path to a three-peat.
Team Sho-Air also holds other podium positions
*Brad Stephenson 2nd Pro/Semi Single Speed
*Todd Stephenson, 5th Expert 45-49
*Team Owner Scott Tedro 2nd Sport 45-49
*Specialized Rep. Eric Woods 7th Sport 35-39
*Sho-Air Representative Justin Rosen, 2nd Beginner 35-39
*Rock N Road Cyclerys Matt Ford, 1st Sport 35-39
*Heidi Volpe, 3rd Womens Expert 40-44
Team Sho-Air would like thank all sponsors for their support
Its riders. Without the support of industry partners, it would not be possible.
Like we have, none would be possible.
2008 TEAM SO-AIR SPONSORS
*Specialized
*Shimano
*Cytomax
*Oakley
*Manitou
*ESI Grips
*Sun Ringle
*Answer Products
*Rock N Road Cyclery
*Sunset Transportation
*Hayes Bicycle Group
