On The Pegs May 2018 - Volume 3 - Issue 5 | Page 101

On The Pegs
NIEL BLANC-GONNET
Vol. 3 Issue 5 - May 2018
P 101
With the national series starting the follow-
ing week, this was a great preparation event
for the pros. On the first loop, Smage was per-
fect and Niederer was in second with 6 points.
The Pro Shootout was setup in two giant rock
outcroppings and each area had multiple sec-
tions. This setup creates a great spectator area
and the spectators were in for a treat. There
were big rocks, big drops, and big cheers.
Smage showed why his is the 9-time cham-
pion and served notice that he is ready for this
year’s National Championship, ending the day
with zero points. The big obstacles made the
chase for the final two podiums spots close.
Blanc-Gonnet came back and ended the day
in second, Niederer was sitting in third, and
Roper in fourth. The battle was close with
second through fourth separated by 3 points.
After the shootout Smage said the course was
very fun and it was great to hear the cheers
from the large crowd.
Day two brought in more perfection from
Smage: another perfect day, and a perfect
weekend. Blanc-Gonnet, who said he was
struggling with riding tight on Saturday, felt
much better on the bike and gave Smage a
challenge for the day. He finished the day with
only 2 points.
In the end, Pat Smage demonstrated his mas-
tery of bike control, and showed the crowd
why he is the 9-time National Champion and
favorite going into the 2018 National Champi-
onship. Daniel Blanc-Gonnet finished second
for the weekend and Alex Niederer finished
a close third. Josh Roper had a great ride and
was just a few points off the podium. Hats off
to the SoCal Trials Association for putting on
a great event and making it very spectator
friendly. n