Team Platinum Storms the Valley!

 Roger "007" Moore 

US Cup #5  Santa Ynez Classic   4/30/12

The US Cup headed to the Santa Ynez Valley for stop number five on the seven race series.  The weather was perfect in the high 80's, which became quite warm on the later part of the race.  The course consisted of a 11 mile lap with about 1600' of climbing per lap.  The Cat 1 and Cat 2 racers took on two laps.  The race took off from the start into a long singletrack which eventually hit the "wall".  The "wall" is a steep singletrack climb with multiple switchbacks which put the riders on the rivet.  Once over the climb, the riders descended on loose singletrack that ran throughout the rolling hillsides.  The course was exposed to the sun and the climbs were relentless.  This year was a nice change from last years raining, mud soaked conditions.  

Greg Turner on the power climb!

The Platinum Performance Team brought out all it's dirt riders to represent the "home town" race.  The team had some great performances.  "Mr consistent" Jon Miller took home the win once again in the Cat 1 60-64 class.  Dean Swank rode strong for another win in the Cat 1 55-59 class.  Road racer, Derek Johnson showed his dirt skills with a win the the Cat 2 Clydesdale division.  Platinum had a handful of 2nd place finishes... Todd Booth was nipped at the line for the win in the Cat 1 40-44 class.  Dan Benson had one of his best races of the season with a 2nd place finish in the Cat 1 19-24.  John Biron pulled off a great time but still fell short of "legendary" rider Johnny Omara in the Cat 1 50-54.  Nick Berkeley had a great race with a 2nd place finish in the Cat 2 19-24 division.  Rounding out the top three were Greg Turner pulling off a solid race in the Cat 1 45-49 class.  Bobby Langin Sr making a strong showing with a 3rd place finish in the Cat 1 50-54 race.  Jeff stern keeps getting stronger each week with a 3rd place finish in the Cat 2 25-29 division.  Thanks for all of the Platinum supporters like Steve Bertrand with the water feeds, Roxanne Moore and Laura Swank with the great photos!

For the full results check out the results page above...

Nick Berkeley pushing the pace in the Cat 2 19-24 class