Nebraska Cycling News

Jurekovic, Cares Post Solid Results Against World-Class Field in California

Colorado Springs, Colo. - The USA Cycling National Development Team competed at the Sea Otter Classic in Monterey, Calif., April 11-15 - the fourth race on the inaugural USA Cycling Mountain Bike National Calendar.  The two development riders, Sam Jurekovic (Colorado Springs, Colo.) and Colin Cares (Boulder, Colo.), contested all three of Sea Otter's off-road endurance events - Friday's time trial, Saturday's short track cross country race and Sunday's cross country event.  Collectively, the duo turned is several strong finishes among some of the world's best international competitors.

In the opening time trial competition, cross country riders were able to warm up their legs for the weekend's traditional mass start events as Jurekovic and Cares placed 20th and 25th respectively behind eventual winner Geoff Kabush (CAN). Kabush clocked a winning time of 3:26 in the short race against the clock while Jurekovic finished just 15 seconds off the pace and Cares was 20 seconds down.

Saturday's short track course proved challenging after a storm left conditions wet and muddy.  Jurekovic started strong, riding out front with Ryan Trebon (Ventura, Calif./Kona) early on before eventually falling off the pace and placing 16th.  Cares finished 28th.

Sunday's cross country race weighed heavily as the only Sea Otter contest offering coveted UCI points.  Jurekovic and Cares each turned in a respectable result against a solid World Cup-level field.  Jurekovic placed 15th and Cares 25th as Kabush took the win over Jean-Christophe Peraud (FRA) and Christophe Sauser (SUI).

The next mountain bike race on the USA Cycling National Development Team's schedule is the ninth race on the USA Cycling Mountain Bike National Calendar, the Fontana National presented by Kona Bicycles in California, May 4-6.   

USA Cycling Mountain Bike National Calendar

Sea Otter Classic

Monterey, Calif.

April 11 - 15

Men's Time Trial

1. Geoff Kabush (CAN) 3:26

2. Max Plaxton (CAN) +0:05

3. Seamus McGrath (CAN) +0:08

20. Sam Jurekovic (Colorado Springs, Colo.) +0:15

25. Colin Cares (Boulder, Colo.) +0:20

Men's Short Track Cross Country

1. Jean Christoph Peraud (FRA)            

2. Ryan Trebon (Ventura, Calif.)                       

3. Max Plaxton (CAN)   

16. Sam Jurekovic

28. Colin Care

Men's Cross Country

1. Geoff Kabush (CAN)

2. Jean Christophe Peraud (FRA)

3. Christophe Sauser (SUI)

15. Sam Jurekovic

25. Colin Cares

About USA Cycling
Recognized by the U.S. Olympic Committee and the Union Cycliste Internationale, USA Cycling promotes American cycling through its 58,000 members and 2,000 annual events. USA Cycling associations include the BMX Association (BMX), National Off-Road Bicycle Association (mountain bike), U.S. Cycling Federation (road/track), the National Collegiate Cycling Association and the U.S. Professional Racing Organization (professional men's road). For more information visit www.usacycling.org or contact, USA Cycling Director of Communications, Andy Lee at 719-866-4867.