Geoff Kabush Crowned 2010 Canadian National XC Champion
It would be easy to surmise that Team Maxxis-Rocky Mountain’s Geoff Kabush, having won Canadian National MTB Championships for the last seven years in a row, would cruise to number eight without much difficulty. Those “in the know”, however, predicted a Battle Royale between Kabush and Max Plaxton, the winner of two US Cup races this season.
Under sunny skies and hot temperatures, Plaxton and Kabush led the elite field out of the Canmore Nordic Center for the first lap, accompanied by Derek Zandstra and Rocky Mountain's Marty Lazarksi following close behind. Kabush, Plaxton, and Zandstra built their lead steadily over the next two laps, each sharing the work to distance the rest of the competition. All three riders appeared to be riding within their limits and it was anyone's guess as who would take the win.
On lap four, as the three leaders began the long climb, both Zandstra and Plaxton attacked, but neither could shake the other riders. When they reached the last steep pitch of the climb, Kabush launched a blistering attack that neither Zandstra nor Plaxton could match. As Plaxton chased Kabush, he dropped Zandstra and the three spent of the race riding on their own. Kabush came into the finish with a time of 1:45:15 with Plaxton 48 seconds back in second place and Zandstra third, 1:39 back.
"It wasn't an easy win," said Kabush. "Those guys are getting stronger every year, and pushing me a bit more. I waited until near the top of the steepest climb and then punched it hard, and was able to open enough of a gap to get away from them. I waited for the right moment to create some separation. I guess old school was able to beat new school for one more year." "He picked the right time to go," Plaxton explained, "and he can put in such a powerful attack that I couldn't go with him. Geoff's won of the top guys in the world, so there's no shame in being beaten by him."
Kabush rode to victory on his 2011 Rocky Mountain Element RSL with new Shimano XTR, FOX Racing Shox suspension, Maxxis Icon tires, and Race Face cockpit.
