Downieville Classic and mountain bike nationals write-up

For the last 3 years, the Downieville Classic has been a race of high priority each mountain bike season. The classic uses a two race, same bike format with a points system to decide the all-mountain world champion. This year I showed up with my versatile Stumpjumper FSR and solid fitness as I was nearing the end of a long race season. Finishing 5th in the cross-country, I was setup well for the overall going into the downhill on Sunday in which I put down the fastest time. Trail recon following Nathan Riddle boosted my confidence and proved to be incredibly rewarding; that guy rips on a bike. In the overall I finished 2nd and in good company next to Carl Decker, Sid Taberlay and Kenny Burt on the podium.



The support vehicle





Easton Haven Carbon wheels on the S-works Stumpjumper




The race rig setup with a E160 fork up front






Pro Men Downhill Podium L-R: Carl Decker, 2nd; Aaron Bradford, 1st; Kenny Burt, 3rd; Syd Taberlay, 4th. Photo Seth Lightcap





Pro Men All-Mountain Podium L-R: Aaron Bradford, 2nd; Carl Decker, 1st; Sid Taberlay, 3rd; Kenny Burt, 4th. Photo Seth Lightcap



Following Downieville, I headed to Truckee to spend a couple days riding at elevation with mountain bike legend Don Myrah. Late season winter weather in the mountains left many of the historic trail loops in the Tahoe area covered in snow but we had no problem finding good stuff to ride. After couple days riding with Don (thanks again for putting a roof over my head), I was on the road again headed for Sun Valley.

Upon arrival, I unloaded bikes and got in a ride on incredible singletrack. My original plan was to compete in the Pro xc and Pro super-d races but after wrecking in practice, I decided sit out the Pro XC. My focus for the weekend was the super-d race in which I finished a solid 4th. Although not ideal competing at nationals while on the mend, I was pleased to be in the mix with strong competition. Also, a special thanks the Luhn family for opening up their house and offering me a place to stay. Aside from great meals with wonderful company, they set me up with my own personal nurse who put me back together, thanks again!



On the mend





My buddy Logan Wetzel followed and ran a GoPro on the Sun Valley nationals Super-d course. The clip shows the fun rolling course in Idaho and even captures the wreck I had in one of the switchbacks! Good stuff


For video and post race write-up on nationals check out Cyclingnews.com