Single Track Attack

The first loop consisted of 42 miles of single-track enveloped with sagebrush. After the start, Abbott found himself in third place and keying off the riders in front of him. He kept up a fast pace, continuing to stay right with the leader. As the race progressed, Abbott and three other racers would pull away from the rest of the field to contend for the podium.

“It was one of the best times I’ve had racing in a while,” said Abbott. “Through the entire first loop there were four of us riding within ten seconds of each other. It was almost felt like a fun trail ride with friends. We were giving each other thumbs up as we flew down the trail, it was really cool.”

Comfortably Numb

After the first pit stop, Abbott blazed into the second loop of the race which consisted of 60 miles of high-desert single track and mountainous trails covered with snow, mud, and ice. The wind-chill and abundance of snow left the riders freezing cold with numb hands and faces as they charged forward. A more technically oriented rider, Abbott was able to advance his position in this loop, and pull out into the lead. He put a ten second gap on the field and continued to lead for 15 miles before coming into a checkpoint. A complication with officials at the checkpoint allowed the other racers to catch up with Abbott.

“The weather was really windy and cold,” said Abbott. “We were riding up this road into the mountains and were going through patches of snow and puddles with ice, so you really had to ride smart. I was able to pull out into the lead and put a ten second gap on the rest of the field before coming into a checkpoint. Once I arrived I couldn’t get anyone to mark my card so the other guys caught up to me while I was waiting. Not far after leaving that checkpoint I got passed on the inside of a turn by two of the riders. I kept sprinting on my KX™ 450F the last 25 miles and ended up finishing only 25 seconds behind the leader. It was definitely one of the best times I’ve had racing in a while. I’m happy to get another podium and to be the only rider of the series who has been on the podium every race so far.”