Pro Gravity Tour Underway: Port Angeles, WA Fluidride Cup #2

Katie Holden Photo: Pat Branch pbmedia.us

The first race of the Pro Gravity Tour (Pro GRT) begins in Port Angeles, WA. Fluidride hosts this race as the #2 stop in their series. This race was important for U.S. Pro’s and Juniors.  This race is one of the automatic qualifiers for a lucky Junior to represent the U.S. during the World Championships in Canberra, Australia (September 6, 2009).  Patrick Branch sent through pictures of the action throughout the weekend! Racing is gaining steam in the U.S.A. and the Pacific North West is proof.

See more inside.

The fun began on Thursday. Lot’s of riders showed up and many pro’s were in attendance. Kirt Voreis, J.D. Swanguen, Kieren Bennett, Joey Schusler, Chris Boice, Luke Strobel, Ryan Condrashoff, Curtis Keene, Kathy Pruitt, and many more came to race.

The pit space was limited and many team trailers were there to set up a home base for their respective teams to relax, focus, and get their bikes worked on.

Pits | Photo: Pat Branch pbmedia.us

Downhill qualifying took place on Saturday and at Curtis Keene took the top spot for the pro men. For the pro women, Katie Holden took the top qualifying spot. The finals were on Sunday and set the tone of what to expect.

Katie Holden #1 Qualifier Photo: Pat Branch pbmedia.us

The men’s Cat 1 field was deep (~70 riders) and many riders were hungry to get on the podium. The line to the shuttle truck proved it.

Lift Line Photo: Pat Branch pbmedia.us

The lush terrain at Port Angeles, WA offers traction that many riders are not used to riding on. The dirt, and rocks offered ample traction throughout the weekend. WA gets it’s fair share of rain and it shows in the dirt and natural beauty along the trail side.

Camilo Sanchez from Columbia Photo: Pat Branch pbmedia.us

Ryan Condrashoff always finds a good spot to throw a whip.  3rd in the finals.

Ryan Condrashoff Photo: Pat Branch pbmedia.us

Joey Schusler made it all the way from Colorado to the race.  He claimed 5th in the finals.

Joey Schusler Photo: Pat Branch pbmedia.us

Pro Men Results (full results)

1. Curtis Keene
2. Luke Strobel
3. Ryan Condrashoff
4. Andrew Mitchell
5. Joey Schusler

Pro Men Podium Photo: Pat Branch pbmedia.us

Pro Women Results (full results)

1. Katie Holden
2. Kathy Pruitt
3. Katrina Strand
4. Abigail Hippely
5. Darian Harvey

Pro Women Podium Photo: Pat Branch pbmedia.us

Special thanks to Patrick Branch for sending along the pictures for this report.  Pro GRT#2 kicks off at Angelfire, NM over Memorial Day weekend.  Be sure to check out our calender for more high profile races.

[Fluide Ride #2 Gallery]