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The DH Course

One look at this course and anyone could tell this would be an interesting race. Beginning at an amazing 12,000 foot elevation, the 11,000 foot-long course begins with 15 DS gates for some warm-up turns before literally dumping riders over the edge of a cliff. The "Uncle Ben's Rice Bowl" is one sick-steep section. Dropping down loose rocks for four switchbacks, the beyond-cat drop had plenty of riders going head over heels as they dropped down the mountain's face. After that the course reverts to a combination of muddy singletrack through the trees and speedy open sections. Add the factor of thin air, and lots of power and guts became critical for success.

Weather and a show-stopping crash took center stage in the women's DH as this winter's erratic climate visited the Rockies to throw a monkey wrench in racing. After hail and severe thunderstorms hit the region Friday night, everyone kept their eyes to the skies during the DH runs — hoping to avoid a repeat of last week's downpours in Deer Valley.

Leigh Back At It

No such luck. After dry qualifying the women took their finals runs under threatening skies. By the time Katrina Miller (AUS, Jamis) was ready to go, the rain began with none of the women dressed for the occasion. Soon thereafter, Amber Tinstman (USA, Intense) crashed on course, holding up Cheri Elliott (USA, Intense/Maxxis), Tara Llanes (USA, Mt. Dew/Specialized) and Tai- Lee Muxlow (AUS, GT/Hutchinson) on course. As they prepared for a re-run, Leigh Donovan (USA, Mongoose) came across the line with her second great time in two weeks, only a few riders left to challenge her.

Miller had been leading before Donovan topped her time, and landed in second for the day. "I decided to stay dry and have a clean run," she said. "It's a full gale up there, but the course is still good."

As everyone finished up and Donovan held the fastest time, riders headed for shelter to await Elliott's re-run. NORBA officials, however, decided the conditions were too cold and wet and allowed Elliott, Llanes and Muxlow to take points from their semi-final result and call the race at that point. So, Donovan won, Miller took second and Lisa Sher (USA, Rotec) - having perhaps her best race — placed third.

"We were bummin' on top when the rain started," Donovan confirmed. "But I had a great ride and just tried to stay smooth. This is the craziest race I've ever been a part of."

Shaums March bustin' out

The men were a bit luckier with the weather as their start times were delayed until the rains (and lightning, and snow) subsided. Taking full advantage of a demanding course, Cali-boy Shaums March (USA, Zzyzx Ellsworth) decided that this was the week to finally prove himself a contender, and finally uncorked his first NCS victory in a hair-splitting final.

With only a handful of riders left, March railed the course to capture the lead from Kirkcaldie; six seconds faster than the Kiwi. "I had a great run," he said. "I did my job, stayed calm and confident and pulled it together. I'm amazed I pulled this off!"

Myles Rockewell a close 2nd

Top qualifier Myles Rockwell (USA, Volvo-Cannondale) couldn't beat March's time, but came dang close... only 0.61 seconds off the mark. After the race he told March "I was coming across the finish line, and the first thing I saw was you jumping up and down cheering. I thought to myself 'man, I don't think he's cheering for me!'"

Indeed — March finally celebrated his long-awaited win, all the other racers congratulating this hard-working racer. "It was really slippery, but I like the rain. I don't know what to do — I think I'm going to cry," he concluded.

— Ari Cheren, Mountain Zone Correspondent