Talented Junior Kyle Strait of Redlands, California, found himself on the podium twice this week at the French Cup Finals in La Bresse, in the countryís north-east. This was Kyleís first visit to the French Cup series, which has been famous for producing talented junior riders over the years, and was a welcome warm up for the Specialized/Oakley/Red Bull rider as he prepares for the World Championships next week.
Last night Kyle entered the elite menís 4X where he qualified 2nd fastest behind 2004 World Championship silver medallist Mickael Deldycke of France. Untroubled in his heats, Kyle made his way to the finals where it became a two man affair between he and the World silver medallist. In the final Kyle gated Deldycke and almost got to the first corner in the lead, but Deldyckeís superior power got him there first. Kyle followed Deldycke down the hill and was close enough to make two serious passing attempts, but in the end had to settle for a well-earned 2nd place.
ìThis has amped me up for the Worlds. If I can have the gate form I had tonight, and keep with guys like Deldycke at the Worlds, Iíll be stokedî.
In the Downhill today Kyle easily won the junior category by more than 6 seconds over the talented Antoine Badouard (FRA) who was faster than Kyle last week in Italy at the 7th round of the UCI World Cup.
ìIím a little bummed as I had a major mechanical problem, and I lost timeÖI really wanted to get under the 2m 40 mark. But I had a great time, the crowd was awesome and cheering me all the way, and to win, well that was a bonus, I honestly thought I wouldnít get a good time after my mechanical. Stoked to be here.î