Without getting the best jump off the start, Jesse Ansley, managed to stay within the front pack of racers, Ansley said “That was a big confidence boost for me since it seems like I get pushed around a lot in the past.” Jesse found himself getting into a flow after the first few laps and began making passes, pushing his way up through the back on the XC2 pack. On the 3rd lap Ansley crashed which re-injured a past neck injury. Ansley decided it was in the best interest of his health to call his day short and end his race after this crash. Ansley went on to say “I had some great battles out there and was having fun until my crash happened. It’s unfortunate but I just have to heal up and get back to 100%.”

Simon Johnson had a less than ideal start for the day as he found himself towards the back of the class. As he headed into the woods Johnson focused on finding his flow and making passes which he quickly started doing through the dust of the dry race track. Johnson was able to consistently put down smooth laps and battle it out around the 11th place position all 3 hours. Simon was able to hold off his competitors, and when he crossed the finish line for the day he landed himself 11th XC2 and 19th overall. Simon stated “I’m not happy with my results because I know with a little fine tuning I can be exactly where I want to be. I feel like I was able to pick back up where I left off but I want more. Learning more and more each race, it’s just a matter of time before it all clicks.”

Taylor Johntson was excited to be back and line up on the front line of the morning race in the WXC class and with a great jump off the line she was near the front of the pack into the first corner, but a rider went down in front of her in the second corner causing her to also go down. Johnston quickly got back on the bike and began a game of catch up through the dusty Georgia track. Taylor got into a good groove and started making passes and battling it out with her fellow competitors, as she consistently improved and moved up in her class. At the waving of the checkered flag Taylor crossed the line 9th WXC. Looking back at the race Johntson stated, “I don’t think anyone is happy with a 9th place finish, but it’s the best so far this year so I’m happy to be making progress.” She also went on to say “I’ve been working remotely since we got back from The General and that’s exactly when I started training harder. I feel stronger now than before the break and I’m ready to continue to push and make progress.”

At the wave of the green flag Brayden Nolette raced to the first corner only to end up crashing there, after swiftly getting up he ended up being second to last into the woods. Nolette got himself mentally focused and began a game of catch up on this tough dusty course. Checking in after lap one Brayden was able to move himself into 2nd in 150A class, with 1st place in his sights. In an all out battle with the 1st and 3rd place, Nolette was able to hit all his marks and put down a solid 2nd lap where he took over the lead. As the rest of the race progressed the Nolette would shuffle positions with the other top 3 riders in his class for a 3 hour long battle for the lead. As the checkered flag waved marking the end of the race Nolette pulled across the finish line 1st in 150A and 41st overall. When asked about this pause in racing due to COVID-19 and its effect on racing, Brayden noted “I feel like I came back better than where I left off which is exactly what I wanted. I am hoping to keep progressing and get this 3 hour race where I want it!”