Just one week after Team Sho-Air/Specialized riders Sid Taberlay and Max Plaxton went 1st and 3rd at round #3 of the PRO XCT series, the Sho-Air boys were at it again in Vail, Colorado for the TEVA Games. This time the team put 2 riders on the podium and 3 riders in the top 10.
Sid Taberlay
In what has become one of the must attend events of the year, the TEVA games is quickly becoming a who’s who in the world of cross country mountain bike racing. With over sixty riders, the 2009 TEVA cross country race was stacked with talent and included MTB legend Ned Overend making a guest appearance for Specialized Bicycles.
This time, it was the team’s younger rider Sam Jurekovic flying the Sho-Air/Specialized colors as he landed himself and his Specialized S-Works Epic in 3rd place behind Pro XC veterans JHK and Specialized Factory rider Todd Wells. Rounding out the podium in 5th was Sid Taberlay, who is not usually known for his high altitude prowess. Max Plaxton the current PRO XCT series men’s leader rounded out the day in 9th.
Jurekovic found his way onto the podium for the third time this year, but the TEVA games marks the first time the Sho-Air/Specialized rider did it without incident. “I have definitely had some terrible luck this year with some mechanicals.” explains Jurekovic. “I’ve known I had the speed and fitness all year long however some bad luck has kept me from showing my true potential so far in 2009. I just want to thank everyone at Sho-Air and Specialized for standing behind me this year….hopefully I’ve got the monkey off my back and can be a regular podium contender.” continues Jurekovic.
Last weeks PRO XCT winner Taberlay was happy with his 5th place and this weekends training exercise.
Sam Jurekovic
“Overall, I’m happy with my performance here at TEVA. Sammy J rode a great race to show he’s certainly going to be a factor at next weeks PRO XCT event in Colorado Springs.” explained Taberlay. “For me, I’m not a high altitude rider, so this was great training and a way for me to acclimate for next weekend’s PRO XCT race said Taberlay. The bike worked flawless and it was a real treat to come to Vail and compete with my team mates in an off weekend.”
Next up, Team Sho-Air/Specialized heads to round # 4 of USA Cycling PRO XCT series, where Max Plaxton still holds the leaders jersey and team mate Sid Taberlay sits in 2nd place overall.