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The Trade Show is only one aspect of the Sea Otter Classic occasions; the race continues to be a part of the pageant. This 12 months, the Fuego XL cross-country race obtained probably the most consideration.
The begin checklist was crammed with potential favorites from all disciplines of biking. Former World Short Track Champion Chris Blevens made the journey, as did present National Cyclocross Champion Curtis White, and naturally, former Fuego XL winner – Keegan Swenson.
The Fuego XL course is technically a mountain bike race however has many highway climbs and gravel sections. The Fuego XL course is 60 miles lengthy with over 8,000 ft of elevation acquire – the extraordinarily dry course, blended with loads of highway miles, designed for thrilling bike setups.
As a former winner, Swenson is aware of what a motorcycle must carry out within the dusty circumstances of Monterey.
The Race — Sea Otter Classic Fuego XL
From the gun, the run was flat out; Chris Blevens was recent off the Cape Epic win and had the legs to experience all day. When the lead group entered the one monitor, Blevens once more pushed with the tempo, finally forming a bunch of seven riders up entrance.
After the primary lap, Blevins, Swenson, Finsterwald, Alex Wild, Howard Grotts, Andrew L’Esperance and Cole Paton crossed the road working nicely collectively. After the laps elapsed and the tempo remained excessive, the group started to separate up.
Later within the race, the group was diminished to 4 riders; Swenson, Blevins, Finsterwald and Paton. Over the previous few miles, Bleven attacked relentlessly, with the group responding and following. The closing climb is the place the 4 riders turned two, as Swenson and Finsterwald fought for the climb to the end.
After 60 miles, buying and selling blow for blow, the end resulted in a dash, and Swenson had simply sufficient within the tank to edge Finsterwald to the road.
Keegan Swenson’s Fuego XL Wins Santa Cruz Blur
The demanding course and not-so-normal cross-country circumstances of the Fuego XL made for some thrilling bike setups. Swenson rode his Santa Cruz Blur full-suspension setup, though many riders selected hardtails.
Swenson’s setup was one of the composed of the weekend; it had simply sufficient grip with the Maxxis Arden Short Track tires and a variety of gears with the brand new SRAM Eagle drivetrain.
The bar and tape setup permits Swenson to “rest” flippantly whereas hammering on the one monitor, liberating up decrease again room and taking on minimal bar area.
Rock Shox Prototype SID fork and shock
Swenson’s Blur had some nifty {hardware}, however these sticker prototypes actually caught our eye. The new SID or SID SL fork and shock appear to have modified little or no from the present model.
A brand new RockShox twistlock is coming to market quickly, with a slimmer profile and barely longer gripping motion.
Swenson would not inform us greater than the fundamentals of the brand new suspension, nevertheless it clearly works nicely.
Pro Bike Check: Keegan Swenson’s Santa Cruz Blur
- Frame: Santa Cruz Blur
- Fork: Prototype Rock Shox SID 120mm
- Shock: Prototype Rock Shox SID
- Lockout Lever: RockShox TwistLock Prototype
- Brakes: SRAM ULT stage
- Group: SRAM Eagle XX Drivetrain
- Wheels: Reserve 30 SL
- Saddle: Prologo Dimension NDR
- Stem: Zipp
- Seatpost: Suntace
- Bars: Suntace
- Pedals: XTR
- Tyres: Maxxis Aspen ST
For extra data on Keegan Swenson and his racing schedule, try: Santacruzbicycles.com
