Mountain States Cup #4, Chili Challenge- Day Two

(June 5, 2011) ANGEL FIRE, NM- Day two of the Chili Challenge started off with an early roll call for the lift. Super D racers made their way to the top of the mountain for a kamikaze descent to the bottom. Each category was set off in a mass LeMans style running start. From there, they opened up the throttle for a crazy loose run down an open ski run. With any Super D race getting the holeshot, or being the first to single track is always an advantage. Angel Fire’s Super D course was so long, it definitely lent a hand to all the downhill racers lined up for their run.

The biggest race of the day was the Men 30+ category. As they came rumbling down the mountain, a massive cloud of dust ensued. The racers towards the back of the group choked their way to the bottom, eating dust the whole way. The small group of women racing laid out an equally harsh plume of dust on their heels. Alisha Gibson of Durango Colorado had the fastest downhill skills taking home first in Super D and third in downhill.

Once the Super D dust settled, the action atop Angel Fire Resort kicked into full gear. Many of the participants in the Super D were playing double duty and lined up for downhill as well. The downhill course at Angel Fire is well known for being one of the roughest tracks in the series. It was confirmed by nearly every rider that the first three miles of the track is one big rock garden. “It’s really about finding your line and holding it,” said aCOS racer Ryan Steele. “After my race run I could feel my hands start to swell. I wish there was a cold creek right here to drop my hands into.”

The unknown story of the weekend however was Beth Roberts of Moab Utah. Beth raced Cat 2 Women and laid down a blazing fast run that would have put her in the number one spot for Pro. “Hopefully I will be moving up soon,” said Roberts. “I had a great time racing and look forward to Crested Butte!”

The Pro Men’s downhill had the longest start list of the weekend. It was clear that the competition was going to be heated and these pros would make the gnarly rock covered mountain appear paved. Long time running racer Kain Leonard showed he still has the skills to make it to the pro podium. Qualifying first overall, he was edged out by DRD X-Fusion/Intense racer Jason Memmelaar. Jason squeaked into first a mere 1.17 seconds ahead of Leonard. Yeti Fox Shox Factory racer Joey Schusler rounded out the top three.

Another great year of racing at Angel Fire is in the books. Angel Fire Resort is continuing to progress their mountain with more trails and features. If you are looking for a change to the norm, take a cruise south and experience what Angel Fire Resort has in store for you and your bike.

Story and Photos by Devon Balet.

For full results go here.