Well, I will admit, I was a slacker… I didn’t get a post up yesterday. But, here we are and here it is.

The past two days have really kicked off the racing here at Sea Otter Norco riders in DH Training, Dual Slalom, an the pump track. The DH track has now been open for 2 days of practice and both the Dirt boys and the Norco World Team have been out scoping their lines. Tomorrow is the main event though where it is all up for grabs. Training starts at 8:30 and racing at 10. Check back tomorrow for an update on the day’s racing. Today was also the Dual Slalom where Fionn Griffiths qualified in 9th place then crashed in the quarterfinals. The other event that was on today was the the Pump Track where Bernard Kerr participated and finished just off the podium in an impressive 5th place. Way to go Bernard, all I really know after watching this event is that I really need to practice. There is absolutely no way that I could even come close to the lines, smoothness or style that any of these guys have.

With that brief description, I will try and let some photos tell the real story about the day’s events.

Dustan

Today was the first day of the 2010 Sea Otter Classic. This year is a little different for us at Norco just because of who is here for the event. With the Norco World Team and the Dirt Norco Race Team we have a total of 4 racers on the Pro DH and Pro DS courses. In addition, we also have Ryan Leech doing trials Demos while Darcy Turenne and Sam Dueck have made an appearance as well. Meanwhile, the Norco crew has been hanging out in the tents in true Canadian style.

Having Sam Dueck out for Sea Otter was a bit of a suprise as he did not think he would be able to make it out. With this pleasant suprise, we managed to get out to the dirt jumps for a few minutes and snap some shots.

Over the duration of Sea Otter, Ryan Leech will be making 10 appearances with his world famous Trials Demo. Attracting crowds in the hundreds for each show, today’s two shows set a precedent for the three days to come.

Now, this is a little bit different. Although it is not Norco specifically, within Canada Crankbrothers products are distributed by Norco. Today, Crankbrothers took the opportunity to launch a new line of products including Bars, Stems, Seatposts and revamped pedals. The products are sleek, light and colour coordinated. Next time you are looking to build up a bike or get a few new parts, look to Crankbrothers.

Check back tomorrow for an update on the Norco World Team and the Dirt Norco Race Team along with the other events of the day.

Dustan

The Dirt Norco Team is getting getting ready for the 2010 Sea Otter Classic in Monterey California. In the mean time though they have been busy working on their second shorty video. Have a look at this video, it rocks!

“if you had a dog and wanted to dig a hole, what would you say to it”

Video Provided By the Dirt Norco Race Team.

The Dirt Norco Race Team has been on their new bikes for a few months now and things are rolling quickly. With a preliminary race under the belt and Sea Otter approaching quickly, here is a video to tide you over.

This coming race season there will a Norco Team DH flying down not only the Women’s World Cup circuit but also the Mens. For 2010 Norco has partnered with Dirt Magazine to create the Dirt Norco Race Team. World Cup racers Ben Reid and Dan Stanbridge will be aboard a Norco through the full World Cup Circuit.

The two members of the 2010 Dirt Norco Race Team, Ben and Dan will travel the world following the UCI World Cup Circuit starting on May 16th in Slovenia all the way to the World Championships at Mt. St Anne in Canada.  They will also be making appearances in North America for events such as The Sea Otter Classic in Monterrey CA and Crankworx in Whistler BC.

Norco is extremely excited to have come on as a sponsor for the Dirt Norco Race Team. Over the past years Norco’s World Cup Race Program has made large strides through the sponsorship of Fionn Griffiths and the Norco World Team. The Addition of the Dirt Team is another step forward in proving the Norco Team DH on the world stage. From everyone at Norco we  wish Ben and Dan the best of luck with the coming season and will be there to help everywhere along the way.

Check out more on the team at: dirtmountainbike.com