Kyle Strait Wins Downhill Opener

21/05/2003

Sixteen year old Kyle Strait of Redlands California kicked off his 2003 NORBA campaign with a win in Big Bear over the weekend, and set his sights firmly on the series title and national selection for the Junior World Championships to be held in Switzerland in September this year.

Kyle, who recently returned from a promotional and training visit to Spain and Portugal, took the win in 3m 36.09secs and this now gives him the overall lead in the Junior Expert category for the National Championship Series. There are 4 remaining rounds.

Results

"I've decided to focus on winning the Junior Expert Downhill title this year and not race any NORBA races in the Pro category. You're only Junior age for a short time so I think it's best to focus on doing as best as I can in this category this year before thinking about moving up," said Kyle just prior to the races in Big Bear. Kyle's time would have placed him 38th in the Pro Men's category.

While in Spain Kyle spent a good deal of time training with Team Haro Lee Dungarees rider, and former World Cup Champion Greg Minnaar. Kyle not only spent a lot of time on the downhill trails improving his race technique, but also out on the XC trails and even a road ride.

"Yeah, the road ride was pretty hard to get excited about, but it was pretty cool seeing how much training Greg puts in and this gave me a really good understanding of what it takes to be successful in downhill racing."

After Spain, Kyle headed for Portugal to race in the famous Red Bull Downtown held in the narrow cobbled streets of the country's capital Lisbon. Against a world class field of 50 riders, Kyle managed an impressive 16th (6 seconds back from winner Steve Peat) and showed many that he's ready for a full season of downhill races to compliment his free riding events.

Next up for Kyle are some local downhill events, followed by NORBA Round 2, in Snowshoe West Virginia, from June 12 to 15.

Kyle is sponsored by the following major companies:

• Red Bull
• Oakley
• Haro Bikes
• Maxxis Tires
• Fox Suspension
• 661 Protection
• SRAM Components
• RockShox Boxxer Forks
• Easton Components
• Hayes Brakes
• SDG Seats
• MRP Chainguides
• Atomic Wheels
• Chris King Headsets
• SST Gyros
• ODI Grips
• Profile Racing
• Bell Helmets
• Eco Lip Balm

For more information visit www.kayodickyle.com or contact:

Martin Whiteley
Director
23 Degrees Sports Management
mailto:captain23@23degrees-sports.com
www.23degrees-sports.com