Night-time rain turned pristine course conditions into a gamble for traction.
You know that emoji used to expressed anxiousness and nervousness where the teeth are showing across a wide-eyed expression? That's how most riders looked as they rolled up to Friday's Pro GRT practice.
- Photos, interviews and story by Zach Faulkner
Throughout the night on Thursday, the thunder was big and the lightning was bright, but we woke up to a cool breeze and rolling clouds. The night's rain had soaked the track and made it a slick affair for the first few runs of the day. Riders were challenged, and many of the crux moves on track were harder, ten-fold. Conditions made for some exciting spectating, and some seriously wild riding.
By the time seeding rolled around, things had dried up considerably, but the ruts were deeper, roots were exposed, and rocks were grimy. There were plenty of sketchy moments if the tales from the pits were any indication, so everyone was happy to be done by 3pm, free to relax. A long evening meant we got to socialize, consume tacos and go back up for a thorough track walk. Race day is going to be exceptionally rad, so stay tuned!
Pro Men
1. Neko Mulally
2. Greg Williamson
3. Kiran Mackinnon
4. Kyle Grau
5. Joshua Rodgers
6. Jason Schroeder
7. Shane Leslie
8. Tanner Stephens
9. Maurico Estrada
10. Walker Shaw
Pro Women:
1. Frida Roenning
2. Vera Leivsdottir
3. Caroline Washam
4. Angelina Palermo
5. Rae Gandolf
6. Riley Weidman
7. CJ Selig
8. Rachel Kelleher
9. Samantha Kingshill
10. Amber Price
Sheppy Wong
3/11/2017 1:24 PM