Saturday’s edition of the Red Rock Rampage ushered in a new era for Utah’s Intermountain Cup now under new ownership. The iconic mountain bike series was purchased at the end of 2015 by Threshold Events. And while the racecourse didn’t look all that much different the general consensus after the race was that the new guys seem to know what they are doing. Post race food, quick results, and speedy podium presentations left racers happy and encouraged for things to come.

Alex Grant chases Justin Lindine on lap one of four in St. George. Photo by: Shannon Boffeli

As always, the riders themselves put on quite a show. The race was headlined by Olympic hopeful Alex Grant (Cannondale/Fly360) who was putting the finishing touches on his spring training prior to the upcoming UCI races in California. Justin Lindine (Hyper Threads) played Grant’s antagonist ensuring it wouldn’t be a smooth ride out front for the Cannonade rider. The duo rode wheel to wheel for three laps before Grant pulled ahead out climbing Lindine in the opening climbs of the final lap.

Kevin Day follows Adam Brown over some rocks. Photo by: Shannon Boffeli

Kevin Day (Endurance 360) had strong showing shown here following Summit devo rider Adam Brown. Shortly after Brown’s chain exploded with enough force that it hit Kevin in the face.

Jen Hanks showed off her early-season form riding away from the competition on lap one. Photo by: Shannon Boffeli

Jen Hanks (Pivot/DNA Cycling) continued her early-season tear tallying a win in St. George to go along with her third place at TransAndes and 5-person team championship at 24 Hours in the Old Pueblo. Hanks was challenged early on by elite youngster Rachel Anders (Competitive Cyclist) who represented the US at the world championships last year.

Hanks’ fast climbing style was too much for Anders as the race winner pulled clear on the rocky climbs of the first and second laps.

Justin Lindine popping and locking over some big rocks. Photo by: Shannon Boffeli

Not many people were choosing this line on the second climb but when your name is Justin Lindine it’s not a problem.

DNA Cycling rouleur rider on his final lap. Photo by: Shannon Boffeli

Riders of all ages and skill levels tested themselves at the Red Rock Rampage.

Rachel Anders put down a solid effort in second and highlighted a good showing for the Competitive Cyclist devo program. Photo by: Shannon Boffeli

The Competitive Cyclist devo program had a strong showing placing several of it’s junior and U-23 riders on the podium and challenging at the front of the pro/elite events.

Chris Holley rode a solid but lonely race occupying third place all day. Photo by: Shannon Boffeli

Taking third on the day Chris Holley (Kuhl) is one of the toughest riders on the circuit and almost untouchable in the rocks and washes of southern Utah.

Click Here to learn more about the Intermountain Cup. You can see coverage of the next race on the I-Cup series right here on Mountain Bike Race News. Racers will be back in St. George for the Cactus Hugger, April 2nd.

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