2011 Big Sky XC

Rory Sullivan Big Sky 1st place Pro Race

Winner Rory Sullivan

I had a really good time at the Big Sky XC! What a great event and stunning place to ride. At the start I was able get my bike fired on the first kick but still was buried in the field of Pro riders. It was a very dusty, but as the race went on, the racers and dust began to thin, Mostly do to the Rock Garden section near the top of the course. The rocks where challenging and played a big part in splitting up the field. I was able to make some good passes in the rock garden and slowly work my way towards the front after starting the first lap out of the top ten. On the other areas of the course you had to be very patient to make a pass and try not to force a pass on the single track. Some areas would drop out onto wide open ski runs or old fire roads, I would just try to be close enough on the single track to take advantage of those open spots and make passes there.

One of my favorite sections on the course was the Endurocross area at the bottom of the ski hill, it was a nice break from the ultra scenic and amazing trails on the hill.
I gave it everything I had for three hours and came away with the win and the Nathan Woods Hard Charger Award. The Nathan Woods Award means a lot to me. Nathan was a racer with true grit and a racer I always looked up to. I will be back for this race next year and this is a race you must check out. The Pro turnout was huge and hopefully next year will be even bigger.

Huge thanks to Pro Caliber Vancouver, Fox, Bell, EVO ind, Novik Gloves, Devol, Fastway Promoto Billet, Recluse, Clarke Mfg, and Fusion Graphix

Rory Sullivan