GRAVITY OMNIUM TO DEBUT AT SEA OTTER?FEB 26
Stage race format for downhill cyclists
SRAM’s Sea Otter Classic will keep its innovative spirit alive with the addition of a Gravity Omnium. This award will go to the top overall cyclist in each of three pro events: downhill and dual slalom.
Frank Yohannan (president and CEO of Sea Otter) said that although each event was developed in a different way, they all draw the same athletes. We want to honor the overall best rider, just like the Tour de France.
This event has its own prize list. The prize list for each event in the Omnium is not included in the money.
Rick Sutton, chief operational officer, stated that gravity mountain bike racers have become more skilled. We decided to recognize the riders who consistently compete in all three gravity events. Marla Streb and Eric Carter, who push their limits through participation in all forms of gravity racing deserve the chance to show their talent over multiple days of racing just like Alison Dunlap, Roland Green and Lance Armstrong.
Gravity Omnium is an exclusive pro-only event open to both men and women. Each event awards points to riders who compete in it all. Points are awarded for each result. One point is for a win, two points for second and three for third. The winner is the one with the lowest total points. A rider would earn three wins to get just three points. As the tiebreaker, Sunday’s mountain cross will be used.
Riders may still enter single events. The omnium entry is optional. The men’s division has seen a sharpening of the skills required to compete in these events. Australian downhillers like Nathan Rennie, Mick Hannah and John Waddell are the dominant. California’s Brian Lopes is still the king when it comes to carving up the turns for mountain cross and dual slalom.
Frances Anne-Caroline Chausson, a woman in the women’s division has proven she can win anything. The omnium format gives Chausson the opportunity to be challenged by Missy Giove and Tara Llanes.
