The start of the 2012 UCI/USABMX points campaign kicked off this weekend in Oldsmar Florida. The event would attract 50 of the worlds fastest Elite Mens BMX racers all vying for the coveted UCI points that will pave the way to the top of their respective countries team standings in hopes to earn the all important spot to represent their country at the 2012 Olympics in London in August.
The GT Elite Mens team was in full force lead by 2011 UCI World Champion Joris Daudet of France, 2011 Belgian National Champion Arnaud Dubois, 2011 US National Champion Corben Sharrah and 2008 Olympic Silver Medalist Mike Day. All were looking fast on their GT Speed Series bikes on the technical track but the holeshot was key on the narrow track.
Joris was showing his 2011 dominance throughout the day on Saturday but an outside gate position in the final would hold him wide into turn one. The hard charging Frenchman would come from behind to earn a very respectable 5th. He would have the misfortune of a fall in his first moto on Sunday taking a hit to the head that would keep him out the rest of the day.
The technicality of the track would suit the skill and saavy of Mike Day by owning his qualifying rounds Saturday and Sunday. Mike would fall victim to the first straight “squeeze” getting caught up in the pack and would only make as far as his semi on Sunday. Mike did leave an impression on the class letting them know he is back to race form from his injury.
GT teammates Corben Sharrah and Arnaud Dubois would fall short in attempts to make the finals but were looking to be contenders. They will be charging harder at the next race.
Amateur team members Sean Gaian and Eric “Big Daddy” Rupe picked up the slack and had stellar weekends by winning practically every lap they took. Sean would show his dominance in the ultra tough Junior Development class and the 15 Expert division. The 47 year-old Rupe took it to the Cruiser and Expert classes with wins in both classes.
The team will rest up and prepare for the next stop on their schedule in Desoto Texas at the USABMX Super Nationals March 16th-18th.
The 2012 GT BMX Factory BMX Team is proud to be supported by Alpine Stars, GoPro cameras, Tioga tires, Alienation rims, Troy Lee Designs helmets, SDG seats and posts, Lizard Skins grips, KMC chains FSA, Shimano, Box Components and Sapim spokes.