WTB-sponsored riders won every pro race in the three-stage Bionicon Keyesville Classic mountain bike race, including the prestigious All Mountain Pro title.

The weekend began with Max Plaxton (WTB/Santa Cruz) crushing the competition in Saturday’s XC race. The 23-year-old Canadian clocked a blistering time of 2:17 on the 35-mile course, finishing about a minute ahead of fellow Canadian Kris Sneddon (Kona/WTB).

In the second stage—the short track XC—Plaxton and Sneddon once again made mincemeat of the field. The two Canadians controlled the pace from the beginning and worked together against a fierce headwind. The short track assault culminated with a sprint finish that saw Sneddon cross the line two bike lengths ahead of Plaxton.

The weekend of racing concluded with two downhill runs: The first course sent riders down a steep fire road that favored strong pedaling; the second course ran through the heart of the infamous Snake Pit rock garden. WTB rider Ben Furbee schooled everyone on both courses, winning by more than ten seconds (combined between two runs). “It was my first big race after a long winter and it was my first pro win,” said the 19 year old. “I’m stoked.” Furbee was armed with WTB’s new Dissent 2.3 tires, LaserDisc FR wheelset and Silverado saddle.

The Keyesville Classic is one of very few races with an All Mountain class, where riders compete in each event—on the exact same bike—and are scored by the number of points earned. The category is a great test of overall handling skills as well as fitness. In Keyesville’s All Mountain Pro class, Plaxton proved to be the most well rounded rider. “That was my first ever downhill race,” said Plaxton. “I had a great time this weekend. The courses were awesome, everyone was friendly, events like this are what mountain bike racing should be.” Plaxton’s weapon of choice for the weekend was the new Santa Cruz Blur Carbon with WTB Nano Raptor tires and Silverado saddle. “The Nanos were perfect for Keyesville’s sandy terrain,” he said.

Another WTB athlete, Yuri Hauswald, chose a Marin Pine Mountain 29er singlespeed for the All Mountain race. Hauswald battled with the top pros in each event and easily won the All Mountain Singlespeed category. Hauswald was rocking WTB Nano Raptor tires, LaserDisc Trail 29 wheels and Silverado saddle.

caption: Ben Furbee entering the Snake Pit. Max Plaxton in the Snake Pit. Dain Zaffke in the short track XC. Yuri Hauswald, Plaxton and Keith Marchando won these kick-ass handmade trophies. Most photos by Alan Davis.