May 1, 2002 (Boston) – Reining series champions Ben Moody
and Dawn Bourque won the Pro/Expert class at the first stop
of the New England Championship Series this weekend in Burrillville,
Rhode Island.
Under rainy skies and over very muddy trails, Moody built a
one-minute lead over teammate Adam Bucklin in the first lap.
Local pro’s Matt O’Keefe and Matt Boobar chased, but
Bucklin and Moody worked together to increase their lead in
the second lap. At the beginning of the third lap, Moody flatted
and Bucklin and O’Keefe moved into first and second. After
a quick change, Moody poured on the gas and caught and passed
them both. Moody crossed the line one-minute ahead of Bucklin
and two and a half minutes ahead of O’Keefe for a one-two
Harpoon / International / Plums Finish.
"I’ve only been on the bike a month, but I’m
feeling great for the first national race coming up in two weeks.
Being able to chase back for the win in difficult conditions
feels great," said Moody.
The womens race played out differently with neo-pro Sara Bresnick
leading series champion and teammate Dawn Bourque for most of
the race. Bourque passed during the last lap for the win and
crossed the line just seconds ahead of Bresnick for a 1-2 sweep.
In addition to the pros, The team’s amateurs had quite
a day also, racking up 3 wins and 11 top 10 finishes.
The team has one of the most unique racing programs in the
country – its goal is to promote recreational mountain
bike racing. Any member of the 600-person Boston-based club
can ride for the team – from novice to expert, no tryout
necessary -- thanks to the generous sponsorship of the Harpoon
Brewery. In 2001, over 300 race slots were filled by riders
in a Harpoon / International / Dried Plums jersey and results
included multiple national, regional and 24-hour championships.
The team competes on Gary Fisher bicycles with support from
International Bicycle Centers, Pedros, and Panaracer. Riders
are fueled by New England’s finest microbrew – Harpoon
and by the best in all-natural energy foods – California
Dried Plums.
To pick up the latest energy, snack and nutrition updates,
please visit the California Dried Plums website at www.CaliforniaDriedPlums.org.
The team will represent California Dried Plums at events around
in the country in addition to giving product samples at each
event.
Founded in 1986, the Harpoon Brewery distributes its locally
brewed products throughout the Northeast. The Harpoon Brewery's
line of craft beer features nine year-round beers, including
its signature Harpoon I.P.A., and four special seasonal selections.
In June 2000, the Harpoon Brewery purchased the Catamount Brewery
in Windsor, Vermont. For information on Brewery Tours and events,
call 1-888-HARPOON or visit their website at www.harpoonbrewery.com.
International Bicycle Centers in the Boston-area’s largest
bicycle retailer and has locations in Brighton and Newton, Massachusetts.
International features Gary Fisher, Trek, Santa Cruz, Klein,
Specialized, LeMond, Merlin, Independent Fabrications, Pedros
and other top brands. Visit them at www.internationalbike.com.
