Gary Fisher - The first and last name in mountain bikes.
05/01/2007 Team

Subaru-Gary Fisher MTB Team Podium at Santa Ynez Valley Mountain Bike Classic

Amidst the dry, very hot conditions of the Santa Ynez Valley, the Subaru-Gary Fisher Mountain Bike Team had a great race weekend. Jeremy Horgan-Kobelski, Heather Irmiger, and Willow Koerber all landed on the podium.

Located near Santa Barbara, the Santa Ynez Valley Mountain Bike Classic featured a 13.1 mile cross-country loop with a handful of steep, grueling climbs and some twisty descents. The dry, fast course was perfect for 29ers. Accordingly, both JHK and Sam Schultz chose to race their Gary Fisher 29er hardtails.

In the men’s cross-country race, a lead group of four separated from the pack early. The lead group contained JHK (Subaru-Gary Fisher), Geoff Kabush (Maxxis), Barry Wicks (Kona), and Max Plaxton (Rocky Mountain). JHK spent the race pushing the group on the climbs, while Barry Wicks looked to turn up the pressure on the flat sections. With JHK and Wicks pushing the pace, Kabush and Plaxton held on to stay in the lead group. JHK was leading the group going into the last turn. At that time, Kabush jumped out and managed to out sprint JHK to the finish line in a heartbreaking finish.

The newest Subaru-Gary Fisher team member, Sam Schultz, also had himself a great race. The 2006 National Under-23 Champ and Montana native, notched another top ten finish. He placed ninth at Santa Ynez following another top ten finish at Sea Otter.

The women’s cross-country race consisted of a one full lap and one shortened lap on the 13.1 mile course. Subaru-Gary Fisher was well represented on the podium with Heather Irmiger and Willow Koerber finishing fourth and fifth respectively. Heather Irmiger started off fast, but had a broken shifter set her back. She fought back for the fourth place finish. Georgia Gould of Luna had another strong showing to take the win.

The Subaru-Gary Fisher Mountain Bike Team keeps up their busy summer race schedule and head to Fontana, CA, for the third stop on the National Mountain Bike Series.