Kailub Russell celebrates the 2014 GNCC Championship. Photography by Ken Hill
Factory FMF/KTM rider Kailub Russell clinched his second consecutive GNCC XC1 Pro Championship title two rounds early after taking the win at the Mountain Ridge GNCC in Somerset, Pennsylvania, September 21.
After getting off to a bad start, Russell slowly worked his way to the front in the dusty conditions. With two laps to go, Russell slipped passed race leader Jordan Ashburn and held on for the win and the championship.
“It feels great to get the championship wrapped up early,” said Russell. “My team worked so hard to help me accomplish this goal and I am so grateful for their hard work. I hope to continue my win streak at the next two rounds to finish the season off with a couple more victories.”
Ashburn crossed the finish line about a minute behind Russell but ended up third overall on adjusted time, knocked back a position by XC2 Pro Lites winner Grant Baylor. He was eight minutes clear of his nearest class competitor.
“I really wanted to catch Kailub [Russell],” said Baylor on the podium. “I have been close to winning the overall a couple times this year and could see it in sight again today. I have two more rounds to try to do it, so hopefully I can get it done.”
Fourth overall on the day went to Husqvarna’s Andrew DeLong, followed by KTM rider Ryan Sipes.
Trevor Bollinger was second in the XC2 Pro Lites class, while Nick Davis finished third in class.
In the Women’s class, Sarah Baldwin took the win followed by class champion Kacy Martinez.
RESULTS
Overall Results (XC1 Pro & XC2 Pro Lites Combined):
1. Kailub Russell – KTM
2. Grant Baylor – KTM
3. Jordan Ashburn
4. Andrew Delong
5. Ryan Sipes – KTM
6. Paul Whibley
7. Trevor Bollinger
8. Nick Davis – KTM
9. Craig Delong
10. Austin Lee
Overall Results XC2 Pro Lites:
1. Grant Baylor – KTM
2. Trevor Bollinger
3. Nick Davis – KTM
4. Michael McGinnis – KTM
5. Samuel Evans – KTM
6. Mark Heresco – KTM
7. Zach Love – KTM
8. Callan May
9. Derrik Allen
10. Mat Herrington – KTM
Overall Results WXC Class –
1. Sarah Baldwin – KTM
2. Kacy Martinez – KTM
3. Brooke Cosner – KTM
4. Becca Sheets
5. Jessica Patterson
6. Karlynn Beam – KTM
7. Ashley Copeland
8. Britney Gallegos – KTM
9. Annelisa Davis
10. Heather Cosner
Overall Point Standings XC1 Pro:
1. Kailub Russell – 293 *CHAMPION
2. Jordan Ashburn – 187
3. Josh Strang – 186
Overall Point Standings XC2 Pro Lites:
1. Grant Baylor – 292
2. Trevor Bollinger – 235
3. Ricky Russell – 233
Overall Point Standings WXC:
1. Kacy Martinez – 180 *CHAMPION
2. Becca Sheets – 159
3. Sarah Baldwin – 154
