Webb Captures Trials Title

Shan Moore | August 2, 2010

On Saturday, July 31, Cody Webb wrapped up his first AMA/NATC National Trials title with one round remaining on the schedule with a dominating performance at round nine of the series at Donner Ski Ranch in Norden, California. Capping an impressive weekend, the GasGas USA rider finished off the series schedule with an equally impressive ride on Sunday.Cody Webb

After finishing runner-up in the series standings for four straight years, Webb picked up his game in 2010, winning eight of the 10 rounds to easily capture the championship. At Donner, Webb handled the huge granite walls and drops with precision, topping three-time and defending Champ Patrick Smage by 26 points on Saturday and 38 on Sunday.

On Saturday, Webb took control from the get-go, completing the opening section with a one, while Smage settled for a five. From that point on it was all Webb as the northern Californian finished the day with a total of seven points, compared to 33 for Smage, who struggled with the huge granite walls.

Colorado GasGas rider Keith Wineland was third with 54 points, while Ron Commo III put his GasGas in fourth with 118. Sixteen-year-old Bryan Roper made his Pro debut with an inspiring fifth-place finish on a Sherco.

Webb was impressive again on Sunday, the final round of the series, especially now that the pressure of the title chase was off, and finished the opening lap with a total of four points, while Smage turned in 12. On the second lap, Webb dropped his only five of the day in section 12. Smage also had a five in section 12, but his resulted in a nasty crash, which most likely handicapped the Wisconsin rider for the rest of the event. Webb went on to finish the day with a two-point final lap for a total of 12, while Smage finished with 20 points on the final lap and a 50-point total for second. Wineland was again third, ahead of Commo and Roper.

Smage ended the year in second position after taking two wins and eight seconds on his Sherco. Meanwhile, Wineland was third on the year, with Commo and Sherco rider Karl Davis Jr rounding out the top five

Shan Moore | Contributing Editor

Moore covers all facets of off-road racing for Cycle News – from AMA Supercross and Motocross to GNCC and National Hare Scrambles events.