Jesse Robinson Snowshoe Race Report
by: Jason Weigandt
Tuesday, September 16, 2008 | 12:00 AM
Jesse Robinson Maxxis Tire/ HMF/ Ohlins/ Monster Energy Kawasaki Race Report
Round 10 Snowshoe WV GNCC
Result: 4th Place
The anticipation to get back to racing after the summer break was very high. After a dismal May and June, due to injury, sickness and a little bad luck, finishing the season strong is the number one goal. Fighting through an injury for the first time in Jesse's career has been a little tougher than expected. The injury was alot more serious than first realized where a pinched nerve caused the loss of usage to his left tricep. Attracting a virus days before round 8 at Yadkinville, which left him a spectator, was a blessing in disguise.
After a couple of months of hard training and therapy, Jesse is 100% now. With the hard work and a few changes to the bike, Jesse's confidence is getting back where it needs to be.
The grand prix start is fun to watch as five riders per row scream down the asphalt and make a hard right turn. Staying off the ground is the tricky part as you're trying to go as fast as possible. Everything went well as the race started and through the first lap where Jesse was in 6th as they came through the scoring. Being in the front train was a place he has vacated for a while. Wanting to push harder to get closer to the front brought on a few mistakes and dropped him back to 8th after lap 2. After telling himself to "just settle down and ride my race," he settled into his rhythm and began moving forward. At the end of lap 5, he finds himself on the wheels of Nate Kanney, who is in 3rd, in a battle for a spot on the podium. Jesse took the conservative approach hoping Kanney would make the mistake. Although Nate rode the last lap almost perfect, Jesse clinched for himself a personal best finish of 4th in the XC1.
Thanks to the sponsors who make this possible. Maxxis Tire, HMF, Ohlins, Monster Energy Kawasaki, Moose Racing, Cycra, Renthal, RK, Rekluse, Motorex, Works Connection, DP Braking, Polishsport, Ride PG.com, AXA, Trials Training Center.