Jason Moeschler blasting down Third Divide Trail. Photo by Forrest Arakawa

The Downieville Classic once again secured its prominence as the premier All Mountain race in America. Spectators were treated to a dramatic competition with the most talent-stacked field in Downieville history. “We have more world champion racers here than any other race in the States,” said the race organizer, Wayne Hoffman.

The biggest battle of the weekend was between Olympic-rider/Super D National Champ Adam Craig (Giant) and Jason Moeschler (WTB/Santa Cruz). Moeschler has won Downieville’s prestigious All Mountain stage race three times; he grew up in the nearby town of Nevada City, California; he helps maintain and build Downieville’s trails; and he has a full time office job at WTB. Craig came to the small Sierra town without the local knowledge (it was his, in fact, his first time racing in Downieville), but the demanding course perfectly suits Craig’s bike-handling skills and horsepower.

      
Photos by Forrest Arakawa

The weekend started with a completely sold-out field of 800 riders departing Sierra City, California for the point-to-point XC race. Craig and Sid Taberlay (Sho-Air) were the first two riders to crest the 3,000-foot climb with Moeschler trailing a couple of minutes back. At the Downieville Classic, however, the race is won and lost on the rugged descent in to downtown Downieville. Moeschler expected to bridge up to the leaders, but it never happened. Craig was the first rider across the line, blazing the 29-mile course in 1:52. Taberlay arrived 40 seconds later and Moeschler finished nearly three minutes back. “I had a really good day, I’ve never gone that fast on this course,” Moeschler said after the race. “But it just wasn’t enough.” The local favorite still had a chance to redeem himself on Sunday’s 17-mile downhill.

Saturday evening featured the typical Downieville festivities and a surprise rainstorm that presented riders with incredible traction and very little dust on the downhill. Moeschler was the second rider down the course after last year’s winner Ross Schnell (Trek), and set a scorching time (and new course record) of 44:09. Moeschler was in the hot seat for more than a half an hour. The only rider to come close to the remarkable time was Schnell, with a 44:20, no one else even cracked 45 minutes. Until Craig, who was the 33rd rider out of the gate. By the time Craig embarked on his run, all signs of precipitation were gone and the course was a dust storm. Still, Craig powered to town with a time of 43:48, securing victory in the downhill and the overall All Mountain title.

1. Adam Craig “1:52:04″ “43:48 “2:35″
2. Jason Moeschler “1:55:20″ “44:09” “2:39″
3. Sid Taberlay “1:52:45″ “50:02” “2:42″
4. Chris Sheppard “1:57:58″ “46:04” “2:44:03″
5. Sam Koerber “1:59:15″ “49:23” “2:48″

Notably absent from the competition this year was Mark Weir. The seven-time Downieville downhill winner was spectating with his wife Suzy and their two-week-old, little baby Gus.

On the women’s side, Katerina Nash (Luna) swept both stages and easily claimed the All-Mountain World Champion title. The real competition was for second place, with a tight race between Rachel Lloyd (WTB/Proman), Kelli Emmett (Giant) and Willow Koerber (Fisher). Lloyd narrowly missed the downhill win by two seconds, but did secure second place in the All Mountain race.

1. Katerina Nash “2:14:13″ “49:52” “3:04″
2. Rachel Lloyd “2:18:15” “49:54” “3:08″
3. Kelli Emmett “2:17:39″ “52:19” “3:09″
4. Willow Koerber “2:17:33” “52:56” “3:10″
5. Lizzy English “2:29:45″ “57:29:” “3:27″

      
Photos by Forrest Arakawa