Stanford at Toro Park - by K. Pearsons

The warm California sunshine finally came out this weekend and greeted riders as they took to the hills of Stanford’s Toro Park home race. Saturday’s looping XC course had an exposed fireroad climb and a wandering single-track descent through oak grasslands. Stanford’s own National Champion Kate Courtney dominated the Women’s A race followed by current JAKROO leader Katelyn Hill (HSU) and Diane Moug (UC Davis). National Champion Lucas Newcomb of Cal Poly won the Men’s A race, followed by UCSC’s William Curtis and Nicholas Newcomb (Lucas’ brother). On Saturday afternoon, XC riders from the morning once again accented the XC climb, but this time accompanied by downhillers for the SuperD. 

Sunday was packed with three race events - short track, relay, and downhill. The short track course was quick-paced and flowy so it felt more like a road criterium than the average short track. Current JAKROO leader Steven Pearl (HSU) won Men’s A’s and Kate Courtney once again took first, with Katelyn Hill right on her wheel the entire race. Both the A’s and B’s short track relays were won by Stanford. The weekend closed with downhill; the freshly cut course comprised of sandy off-camber trails and twisting turns. Robert Boger of Chico won Men’s A’s followed by teammate Dane Petersen and Justin Graves of Humboldt State. 

Next weekend we head further south for the much anticipated 24th annual Parkfield Classic hosted by Cal Poly’s Wheelmen.