Wade Bootes Starts his 1999 Dual Slalom Season on the Podium!

The 1999 Norba National Championship series kicked off the season opener this past weekend at legendary Big Bear, and with beautiful weather and an awesome dual slalom and downhill course layout, there looked to be for some great racing action. The field was full of the American greats, as well as many international mountain bike stars. The Pro dual slalom qualifier had over 80 riders battling out for the top 32 spots in the finials, and the riders who did make the cut had their work cut out for them as both of the most recent Norba National Champions in Dual Slalom, Eric Carter (GT/Chevy) and Brian Lopes (Volvo/Cannondale) were ready to kick off there own championship campaign. Other standouts in Qualifying were Steve Peat (GT/Chevy), Dave Cullinan (Schwinn/Toyota), Shaun Palmer (Mt Dew./Specialized) and Wade Bootes (Trek/Volkswagon).

Bootes qualified 6th and easily transferred out of the round of 16 against Chris Kovarik (Qranc GT Pro Jr.) and faced Jurgen Beneke (Giant) in the round of 8. One of the most feared Downhillers on the UCI World Cup and Norba circuit, Beneke quickly fell in Wades path to the finials, being beat in both runs. Bootes next match, the round of 4, was against current UCI World Cup Dual Slalom Champion, Brain Lopes. The more experienced Lopes was impressed with Bootes' performance so far, and expected no easy match. Wade rode 2 smooth runs against Lopes and was barely edged out for the transfer. In the other match of the round of 4, Dave Cullinan barely beat out current Norba National Dual Slalom Champion Eric Carter. This would mean Bootes and Carter would race for the finial spot on the podium and the valuable points. Eric Carter flowed smooth around the course as usual and edged out Bootes for 3rd place in the finial. Wade Bootes finished Fourth, and took the Trek/VW Team onto the podium for the second time in two weeks.

Last week, a Dual Style race was held at the AMA Glen Helen Motocross Race between the 125 and 250 main events. Wade Finished 4th there as well, with Carter taking the win. Wade also raced Pro Downhill in Big Bear, qualified 26th, but flatted in his final run and still finished 31st overall. Steve Peat was the Downhill winner. Look for Wade to battle out the top Norba riders all season long in his quest for his first Norba National Title, as well as continue his BMX title chase in the ABA. Wades personal sponsors are Trek/VW, Vans, Troy Lee Designs, THE, Powerbar, Champion Nutrtion/Revenge, Headlock, Marwi, and Oakley.

Double A Marketing proudly represents Matt Hadan, Robert MacPherson, Jamie Staff, Randy Stumpfhauser, Christophe Leveque, Wade Bootes,Tim Fuzzy Hall, Jason Richardson, Thomas Allier, Jason Donnell, and Stephan Roncada. For more information please contact Pete Dylewski @ DoubleAMKT@aol.com.

Copyright 1999. All rights reserved.