Mountain Cross Race Report
Norba National Championships, MT Snow, VT

The 2002 Norba national series finals were held this past weekend in Mt Snow Vermont and both Wade Bootes and Thomas Allier attended. Wade had a shot at earning his 2nd Norba title for 2002, as he won the Dual Slalom title back in June and sat in 2nd overall in the Mountain Cross series going into the finals. Thomas Allier sat 4th overall in the series and was looking to move up into the top 3 to finish off his first season. Both riders looked great in practice and qualifying, where Wade was the fastest qualifying 4th overall and Thomas placed 7th.
As Thomas made his quest into the first round, he holeshotted his race and flew into the first turn, only to find a rear break failure would not let him slow down enough to hold his line and he wound up goring over the first turn. It was a very disappointing finish of the season for Thomas, as he had turned in 3 great races in the 2002 series. With the experience he gained this season, Thomas will be back in 2002 looking to earn a title. Thomas did earn a spot on the French National Team and will be traveling over to the World Championships in a week in Austria.
Thomas' sponsors include Giant, Troy Lee Designs, THE, Oakley, Sun Ringle, Marwi, Chris King, Revenge/Champion Nutrition, WD-40, Lava Soap. Marazochi/Sinister Steering system, Hot Wheels, IRC, Shimano, Jan Sport, ACS, BMXpros.com, and Satellite Sports,

Wade Bootes looked great in his first few rounds, as he was unbeatable. Wade has been one of the most consistent riders in the world in 2002 in the Mountain Cross class and looked to be a shoe in for the finals. But in the semi final event, Wade made a slight bobble out of the gate and found himself behind. Trying as hard as he could to pass, it was not to be on this day and Wade was eliminated and his chance at the title slipped away. Wade would finish up 2nd overall though and he looks towards the World Championship next week to gain his 2nd world title in Mountian Bikes. Wade has had a great year of racing, finishing 3rd at the BMX World Championships, 4th at the X-Games and now 2nd overall in the Norba series.
Wade's Sponsors include Trek, Volkswagen, O'Neal, Oakley, AC Components, Vans Shoes, Bombshell, IRC Tires, THE numberplates and Pads, ATI, Marwi Ti Spokes, Powerbar, Head Lock, Double A Marketing, Toolshed, BMXpros.com, WadeBootes.com, and Champion Nutrition.