in high elevation , was able to bring a few components from his usual race bike and swap out parts on the US model . He changed the head , and swapped out the clutch and shock , but admitted that the stock bike is already very good . The Spaniard would easily adapt to his environment and scored a clean day . Smage would take his first point of the day in section two on the first loop .
After cleaning the remaining ten sections , Pat knew this would be a low scoring day , and managed to drop only one additional point before the final section was complete . Roper seemed to be playing to all his strengths , having grown up training around the terrain . He was the only other Pro-class rider to post a single-digit loop all day ; taking six points on each of the first two loops , he finished strong with an eightpoint final loop for a total of only 20 points and earning the final spot on the podium .
“ Today was pretty good ," said Gelabert . " I was riding super good . The bike was incredible . I managed to clean every section for the whole day so I ended up taking the victory . I ’ m so happy to be here in the USA . My first race here is a win , so I have to make it happen
ON THE PEGS // PAGE 108