New Events and More Competitors Make the TLC Most Exciting Yet

The 2011 Tara Llanes Classic took place Sept 24-25 once again at Northstar-at-Tahoe Resort, the world class skiing and mountain bike venue near Truckee, CA. More than 200 competitors signed up to race the MegaDH event, while 26 cross-country racers took part in the first TLC XC event.

The 5th annual Tara Llanes Classic was held in near-ideal conditions; professional athletes as well as a huge field of amateur racers turned out to compete and support the event, named for the famous DH mountain biker who was paralyzed from the waist down after a terrible crash during a race in September 2007. Tara Llanes has made incredible strides as she recovers from a devastating spinal cord injury, and she also is the key figure in coordinating the race that bears her name.

“The TLC gets bigger and better every year,” she said, “and this year was incredible. I can’t thank enough the sponsors who support us year after year. And I also want to give a mountain of ‘thank you’s’ to the mountain bike riders who compete in all the events during our race weekend.”

For the first time, the TLC presented an XC event, and more than two dozen pros and amateur competitors lined up on Saturday’s start line. Winning the Elite Women’s event in the TLC XC was Kelli Emmett of the Giant Factory Off-Road Team, completing the three-lap course in 1:15:37. Second place went to Erica Tingley and Tina Brubaker placed third.

In the Elite Men’s race, Carl Decker of the Giant Factory Off-Road Team scorched the course in 1:03:31. Behind him was Jason Moeschler in 2nd, followed by Mario Gallardo in third.

On Sunday, more than 200 competitors in the MegaDH race screamed down the peaks above Northstar-at-Tahoe Resort and some incredible speeds were recorded on the CCN Speed Trap. Hitting 47 miles per hour and winning a $250 bonus check was Joe Lawwill. But winning the Pro Men’s event overall was Ryan Condrashoff, finishing the tough DH course in 9:22:36. Lawwill was only one second behind him to take 2nd place. Third went to Ariel Lindsley. Just seven seconds separated the first five finishers in the event.

Among the Pro Women, Abigail Hippely claimed the victory with a time of 10:59:00. Second place went to Robyn Embrey and third to Tasa Herndon.

A complete listing of competitors, their classes, and their results for both races is found on the Northstar-at-Tahoe Resort web site, at: http://www.northstarattahoe.com/info/calendar/calendarevent.race4tara.item.asp

Also new this year to the Tara Llanes Classic was the Pearl Izumi Industry Cup Race. Two-person teams from sponsors competed head to head, one in the TLC XC race and the other in the MegaDH. Finalists had to compete in a concluding round consisting of a crazy combination of challenges, like baseball bat spinning, egg balancing, a water balloon walk-and-squeeze, and a human wheelbarrow race. Giant employees Paul LaCava and Mike “Hot Dog” Colbert claimed the Cup when all was said and done and the laughter subsided.

The Shimano Kids Race, a fan favorite for years at the Tara Llanes Classic, again brought excitement and smiles to participants and spectators alike. Troy Lee Designs provided complete racing kits to youngsters aged 2 to 11.

Watch video recaps of both exciting days of the 2011 Tara Llanes Classic produced by filmmaker Aaron LaRocque at:
http://www.pinkbike.com/news/Tara-Llanes-Classic-2011-Day-1.html and http://www.pinkbike.com/news/Tara-Llanes-Classic-2011-Recap-Video.html

“We’re exhilarated – and exhausted!” said Tara. “And we are already planning for next year’s Tara Llanes Classic.”

Giant Bicycle is proud to be a sponsor of the Tara Llanes Classic. A complete list of sponsors can be found at http://www.tarallanesclassic.org/sponsors/tlc-2011-sponsors/

Sponsor funds, competitor entry fees, donations, and raffle sales at the Tara Llanes Classic benefit three organizations aiming to find a cure for spinal cord injury and working to help athletes return to competition after a debilitating injury. Those organizations are:

The Reeve-Irvine Research Center at the UC-Irvine School of Medicine: dedicated to curing spinal cord injury by funding innovative research, and improving the quality of life for people living with paralysis through grants, information and advocacy. Information at: http://www.reeve.uci.edu/

C.O.R.E. - The Center of Restorative Exercise: dedicated to providing special need individuals the opportunity to improve the quality of their life by opening C.O.R.E. facilities, which are not only feasible but accessible, in every major city nationwide. Information at: http://www.aaronbakers.com/c_o_r_e_

The Tara Llanes Road to Recovery Fund: providing skilled athletes in the sport of mountain biking with financial aid after a severe injury by granting funds for equipment, rehabilitation, and long-term disability. Information at:
http://www.tarallanesclassic.org/about-tara/tara-llanes-road-to-recovery/