Syllamo's Revenge
US National Ultra Series race #2

May 14, 2011
Mountain View, Arkansas, USA

Stop #2 in the National Ultra Series, Syllamo's Revenge is a new venue for the premiere endurance series in the United States. Taking place in Arkansas, the Syllamo's course is one of IMBA's Epic Rides. Consisting of 98% technical singletrack, this course would test the equipment and bodies of team riders, Sonya Looney, Namrita O'Dea, and Eddie O'Dea.

Sonya Looney would take the top spot for the team with 3rd place overall, but not without some drama. "I had a really tough first 30 miles. My stomach was having problems. I felt like, barfing on myself." "I just kept telling myself it was going to be better and kept saying don't quit, don't quit," said Looney. "After about four hours, I felt my body starting to get lighter, felt like I could breathe, and then I think I was going like twice as fast because I covered about 30 miles in four hours."

Also racing in the women's race was Namrita O'Dea. "It was a rough day! It seemed like the technical trail and wet conditions early on caused issues for many of the racers at some point. I raced conservatively for lap 1 and tried to make up time in lap 2 but it wasn't enough to catch the women ahead. The trails are fantastic, though! I will be back next year." Namrita would finish in 6th place.

Eddie was the only male member of the team to race in Arkansas. He would finish in 8th place. "I rode an aggressive race knowing it was a very technical course and that worked out well for me. Despite some minor mechanicals I was able to rally back to finish in the top 10."

RESULTS
Sonya Looney, 3rd place female overall
Namrita O'Dea: 6th place female overall
Eddie O'Dea: 8th place men overall

Source: Jeff Kerkove, Ergon USA, Inc.
www.topeak-ergon-racing.com