Trek Factory Racing and Australian Sweep at Pro XCT Opener

Australian duo and new Trek Factory Racing signees Dan McConnell and Rebecca Henderson bested an elite field to kick-off the 2013 Pro XCT season at the Subaru of Georgetown Mellow Johnny's Classic. Held for the second straight year at Flat Creek Crossing Ranch near Dripping Springs, Texas racers were greeted with  perfect weather and a large contingent of enthusiastic fans.

1-2-3 Trek Factory 

For the Elite Women Rebecca Henderson (Trek Factory Racing) led teammates Annie Last and Emily Batty during the 1 mile start loop and never relinquished her lead. As lap 1 progressed, teammates Henderson and Last opened a small gap over Batty and Chloe Woodruff (Crank Brothers Race Club).

While laps ticked down Henderson and Last were in control and it was the battle between Emily Batty and Chloe Woodruff, for third and fourth place, that engaged the crowd. Both riders traded positions for 3 laps before Batty was able to open a gap she held to the finish line. "We rode together for most of the race, she was so fast on the flats and she got away on the last lap, I was just cramping a little and couldn't go with her," said Woodruff.  "I missed a pedal at the start and was swallowed up a little at the start, Chloe and I ended up riding together after I moved up and it settled a little bit," commented Batty."

Rounding out the top 5 was an impressive ride by Denton, Texas, based racer Christina Goke-Smith (Colonel's Sho-Air-Giant). "The crowd here was so awesome, all the way around the course everyone was so great," commented Gokey-Smith.

"The trail was dry and dusty, it was very much like riding at home in Australia," said Henderson during her finish line interview. "I'd spent a time in Austin earlier this year preparing for cross worlds so I felt comfortable with the terrain," said Last. Unfortunately, the dry, slippery conditions claimed a strong riding Pua Mata (Sho-Air-Cannondale) on lap 1 who suffered a leg fracture in the accident.

Teammates Annie Last, Emily Batty, and Rebecca Henderson

On the podium, Henderson said her goal was a top 5 finish and she was thrilled to win her first race in the United States. Adding that it was good to come out of her season in Australia and know her form was good enough to win while still feeling liked she had more fitness to add for her upcoming World Cup and race calender. 

   

Fast Five Drive Elite Men

Leading the the field of 62 riders out was newly signed Trek Factory rider Dan McConnell (Australia). Behind was a freight train of North American strongmen that followed including Jeremiah Bishop (Sho-Air-Cannondale), teammates Geoff Kabush and Derek Zandstra (Scott-3 Rox), along with Sam Schultz and Russell Finsterwald (Trek Factory Racing) and Todd Wells (Specialized).

As lap 1 of the 5-lap race progressed McConnell, Bishop, Wells, Zandstra, and Kabush established a very small gap over Finsterwald, Schultz, and hard chasing Cameron Jette (Scott-3 Rox). The five riders continued a strong steady pace led by Jeremiah Bishop. "I probably went a little too hard the at the start and paid for it a little the first 3 laps," said McConnell.

Mid-way through lap 4, race radio reports came back with McConnell and Bishop leading over Zandstra and Wells. Kabush had suffered an untimely flat in a dry creek bed and then was unable to get repaired due to C02 malfunction. Behind the front four, Cameron Jette managed to stay steady and take advantage of a mechanical and flat tire by teammates Schultz and Finsterwald to move into fifth.

During lap 5 Bishop and McConnell traded the lead. "I took a new line through the last dry creek bed on the left side that surprised Dan a little and gave me a small gap, but he was able to catch back on before the finish," said Bishop. As the duo approached the line McConnell was able to outkick Bishop.

"I felt better the last 2 laps, my legs sort of came back around from the early effort, I was leading most of the last lap but he made a move in the last 1k in the creek bed and I could barely hold his wheel," commented McConnell.

Wells was able to escape from Zandstra who slid out trying to stretch his leg, but Zandstra was able to re-mount quickly and finish ahead of teammate Jette who rounded out the top 5.

Elite Men Call Up at 2013 Mellow Johnny's Classic

Men's Pro/Elite

1. Daniel McConnell, Trek Factory Racing, 1:30:24
2. Jeremiah Bishop, Sho-Air-Cannondale, 1:30:26
3. Todd Wells, Specialized Racing, 1:30:57
4. Derek Zandstra, Scott-3 Rox Racing, 1:31:11
5. Cameron Jette, 01:34:06

Women's Pro Elite

1. Rebecca Henderson, Trek Factory Racing, 1:26:41
2. Annie Last, Trek Factory Racing, 1:27:02
3. Emily Batty, Trek Factory Racing, 1:28:36
4. Chloe Woodruff, Crankbrothers Race Club, 1:29:03
5. Christina Gokey-Smith, Colonel’s Sho-Air-Giant, 1:29:41

2013 Schedule of Events Subaru of Georgetown Mellow Johnny's Classic

Let us start by saying thank you for your patience while we finalized our racing schedule. We look forward to hosting you. Let us offer a HUGE thanks to Subaru of Georgetown as well as all of our great sponsors for making this event possible. For all dates below PARKING FEE is WAIVED if you drive a Subaru.

THURSDAY FEBRUARY 28, 2013 
2:00PM – 4:30PM . . . . Pre-ride  $10 per vehicle parking fee

6:15PM  ....   Ranch Gates Closed

FRIDAY MARCH 1, 2013 
12:00PM – 4:00PM . . . Pre-ride $10 per vehicle parking fee

12:30PM  . . . . Pro Men/Women Athletes Race Meeting

5:00PM  . . . . Ranch Gates Closed

7:00PM  . . . . Kick Off Party @ Mellow Johnny’s Bike Shop in Austin

SATURDAY MARCH 2, 2013

6:45 AM . . . . . . . . . Ranch Gates Open - $10 per vehicle parking fee

7:00 AM . . . . . . . . . Registration Opens for Category 3 Only
8:00 AM . . . . . . . . . Category 3 – 10 & Under start

8:45 AM . . . . . . . . . Category 3 – 12 & Under start

9:45 AM . . . . . . . . . Category 3 – All Other Age Classes Start
10:00 AM.................Kids Kup Registration Opens 
11:30 AM . . . . . . . . PRO Women Staging/Roll Call
11:45 AM . . . . . . . . PRO Women Start

Noon.......................Kids Kup Clinic  
1:45 PM . . . . . . . . . PRO Men Staging/Roll Call
2:00 PM . . . . . . . . . PRO Men Start

4:15 PM . . . . . . . . . Awards Ceremony

4:15 PM . . . . . . . . . Course Open to Cat 1 & 2 for pre-riding

6:15 PM . . . . . . . . . Ranch Gates Close

SUNDAY MARCH 3, 2013

6:45 AM . . . . . . . . . Ranch Gates Open - $10 per vehicle parking fee

7:00 AM . . . . . . . . . Registration Opens
8:45 AM . . . . . . . . . Category 2 & Single Speed C2/3 Start
11:00 AM . . . . . . . . Category 1 & Single Speed Open Start

Awards Ceremony for Category 1 & 2 races 30 minutes after finalized results

2013 Mellow Johnny's Classic

The Mellow Johnny’s Classic is back for 2013. Like past editions the event is part of USA Cycling’s PRO XCT and a UCI Category 1 event awarding top points to participants. Back for 2013 is Flat Creek Crossing Ranch as the race venue and we're thrilled to once again have Georgetown of Subaru as our title sponsor.

Located near Juan Pelota Ranch on the Pedernales River, Flat Creek Crossing was a long-time favorite of Texas Mountain Bike Series, and features 8+ miles of prime singletrack and facilities for the race. We would like to thank the owners Child INC, for opening the venue to us.

Held over the weekend of March 2-3, 2013, the event will kick-off once again with a kick-off party at Mellow Johnny’s on Friday March 1, at 7pm.  The event will offer attendees a chance to meet participating pro men’s and women’s teams and interact during Q & A session at 7:45pm.


Registration opens February 1, 2013 and our first pre-ride day is scheduled for February 3, 2013 so come join us. Our 2nd Pre-ride date is February 23, 2013 from 12-4.