Melissa Buhl (KHS), defeated Jill Kintner, top qualifier (Red Bull), to win her first ever Sea Otter Classics SRAM Dual Slalom victory.
The Sea Otters Dual Slolomim course is very long so mistakes can be made easily. Today’s racing was one reversal after the other. RC photo
Kintner was able to brake hard at the last corner of the blue course, but it cost Buhl valuable time, who rode the red course, which is generally faster.
Buhl misjudged the blue courses when the riders changed courses for the second ride. Kintner, however, was unable enough to make up the time she lost on the first ride.
Buhl’s first Sea Otter win came despite a career that included the 2008 UCI World 4-X Championship. She said that although I’ve been close to Buhls for a while, it has been many Sea Otters without a win. It was an opportunity to be patient and ride smart.
Kintner was the 2008 Olympic bronze medalist in BMX and a two-time Sea Otter 4-X winner.
The 2006 Sea Otter dual-slalom winner, Kathy Pruitt of Jamis, came in third place behind Japan’s Mio Suemasa.
Hill wins in an unpredictable dual slalom
After Cody Warren (Team America Specialized) hit the deck on the second round, Sam Hill (Monster Energy Specialized) won the Sea Otters SRAM Dual Slalom. There were many crashes and upsets in this edition of Sea Otters SRAM Dual Slalom.
Hill, who was the UCI World Downhill Champion 2006 and 2007, swept past Mike Hadererer (NorCal) in the quarterfinals. Gee Atherton (Commenal), the reigning DH world champion, reached the semis while Warren was beaten by his Giants Jared Rando and Kyle Strait.
Hill said that the warm weather helped to dry out the course, which was a testament to his strengths. The slippery conditions made me feel strong and confident in corners. I felt more confident and stronger. Tomorrow’s downhill should be enjoyable.
Rando beat Mick Hannah, a top qualifier, in the quarterfinals. Atherton took third in a rare tiebreaker. A rider in the consolation round’s second round won.
