Justin Leov Wins Deer Valley NMBS!
Nema riders had yet another stellar weekend in Deer Valley, Utah, for the 4th round of the NMBS. Fresh of the World Championships, Nema’s factory team riders headed to the picturesque mountain town for some great American racing action. Known for it’s rugged downhill trails and fast & flowy slalom track, Deer Valley would provide some of the best racing seen in the states thus far.
Nema riders started the weekend out by racing a fun dual slalom track. After qualifying first, Nema rider Aaron Gwin (Yeti / Fox Shox) rode a fast and strong throughout all his heats. Unfortunately a couple of small bobbles relegated him back a few spots, but that didn’t stop Gwiny from landing on the podium in 4th spot! Meanwhile, his Yeti / Fox Shox teammate, Chris Boice, has been on a tear all year and narrowly missed making the finals. Boice squeezed out Gwin in the small final to take 3rd on the day.
Dual Slalom Final Results
1. Cameron Cole
2. Petr Hanak
3. Chris Boice [NEMA]
4. Aaron Gwin [NEMA]
5. Mike Haderer [NEMA]
6. Ryan Condrashoff [NEMA]
9. Sam Blenkinsop [NEMA]
13. Rudy Unrau [NEMA]
15. John Hauer [NEMA]
Nema riders are definitely a force to be reckoned with in the downhill. Not only did Nema rider Kevin Aiello (Yeti So Cal) take a decisive JrX downhill victory, but his time would have put him 15th in the Pro class.
Meanwhile, in the Pro Men’s DH final, each & every rider would be tested to their limit, as the rough Deer Valley DH track would take its toll on numerous riders. Nema rider would soon prove that their skill & determination would lead to their success.
After qualifying 1 &2 in the morning, teammates Justin Leov & Sam Blenkinsop (Yeti / Fox Shox), headed into the finals with great confidence. However, as riders began to descended for their final run, it was nearly a crapshoot whether they would come down in one piece.
Nema’s Kieran Bennett was definitely on a tear, as he won the previous NMBS in Angelfire, New Mexico. Unfortunately, his run didn’t go to plan here in Deer Valley, as shifting malfunctions would slow him down. Remarkably, Kieran still managed a fantastic result, placing him just off the podium in 6th.
As early race leader Amiel Cavalier sat in the hot seat, a variety of Nema riders would just miss the mark to dethrone the fast Aussie! Rookie phenom, Aaron Gwin, screamed down the mountain, but just narrowly missed the mark. Gwin placing 4th in the final (coincidentally matching his result in the previous day’s Dual Slalom). The next Nema rider to come close to Amiel’s time would be Sam Blenkinsop, who’s wild and hard charging style is a fan favorite! Unfortunately Blenki’s time would miss the mark by just 1-tenth of a second. In fact,… Amiel, Blenki & Gwin’s time would be determined by only 3-tenths of a second! Everyone’s heart was pounding by this point! 
Needless to say, this would be Justin Leov’s day to prevail! The Nema rider came PINNED down the mountain side & through the trees faster than any other rider. When Justin crossed the finish line, he pronounced his victory with a hammer by besting the field by nearly 6-seconds!
Throughout the field, Nema riders had stellar results. Nema’s Brad Benedict (SantaCruz / X-Fusion / WTB) maintained his series lead by placing 11th on the day.
Downhill Final Results
1. Justin Leov [NEMA]
2. Amiel Cavalier
3. Sam Blenkinsop [NEMA]
4. Aaron Gwin [NEMA]
5. Chris Van Dine
6. Kieran Bennett [NEMA]
11. Brad Benedict [NEMA]
12. Chris Boice [NEMA]
14. TJ Sharp [NEMA]
29. John Hauer [NEMA]
30. Ryan Condrashoff [NEMA]
Nema riders have a bit of time off until their next major event. A few riders will hit up the next MSC race in Snowmass, while others will prepare for the next NMBS in New York in a few weeks time.
For more information, check out the full coverage on PINNED: http://www.pinnedmtb.com/deervalley08.htm
Yeti’s race video
http://www.yeticycles.com/?#/videovault/ (& yes, that’s me getting nailed by a huge rock 3/4 the way down by Blenki!)
X-Fusion video
http://www.alloutprodux.com/xfuse#5deervalley.mov
LEAVE A COMMENT