Team Sho-Air/Specialized wrapped up the inaugural PRO XCT Men’s Team Title chase this weekend in Windham, NY with a solid second and fourth place finish in the men’s PRO XCT race. Throughout the six round series, both Max Plaxton and Sid Taberlay never finished worse than second place at any one PRO XCT round between them, with both riders taking a win this year. The duo also made double podium appearances together at Sea Otter, Bump N Grind and Windham capping off a stellar season.
Men’s PRO XCT Podium. Taberlay, Plaxton, Kabush, Wells, JHK. Photo: Trailwatch.net
Clearly Team Sho-Air/Specialized was one of the most dominant teams of the PRO XCT as Taberlay and Plaxton also ended up second and third in the individual PRO XCT standings respectively. 2009 proved to be a rebirth for Taberlay, as the former world cup rider and Olympian found himself in the states and without a ride at the end of 2008. The scrappy
Max Plaxton charging to 2nd place at Windham. Photo: Trailwatch.net
Australian was a factor at almost every round this year, taking a big win at Round # 3 in Alabama and narrowly missed winning the PRO XCT individual title.
For Plaxton, 2009 was a confirmation that the 23 year old Canadian is one of the premier talents in North America. Plaxton took over the PRO XCT lead at Sea Otter and held the jersey for several rounds, even taking his first US National career win out in Colorado Springs. If not for an off day at MT. Snow, the Canadian very likely would have won the jersey as he bounced back the following week to take a well fought second at the series final in Windham, NY, wrapping up third overall in the series.
Sid Taberlay leading lap #1 at Windham, NY. Photo: Trailwatch.net