International Women's motocross star Tarah Gieger, from Puerto Rico, used a consistent 2-2 moto score combination to claim the overall win at round three of the Women's Motocross Championship (WMX) during this year's FMF California Classic Motocross at Glen Helen Raceway in San Bernardino, California.
Yamaha's Mackenzie Tricker finished second overall with a 5-1 score, while Kaitlyn Morrow (Yam) mirrored Tricker's score for a 1-5 third overall.
Morrow took the early lead in moto one with Tricker moving in quickly on the Yamaha rider, having just passed Gieger down Glen Helen's big hill. However, just as Tricker was about to attempt a pass on Morrow to take the lead the Aussie off-road star stalled her bike and dropped back to sixth, leaving Morrow a clear path to the win.
Gieger ran a steady race to finish the moto in second place, ahead of KTM rider Brandy Richards. Defending series champ Marissa Markelon (Kaw) finished fourth and Tricker in fifth.
In moto two, Gieger got the holeshot and early lead with Morrow in second and Tricker in third.
Tricker moved by Morrow on the first lap and then did the same to Gieger on lap two to take the lead.
Tricker pulled out to an 11-second lead at one point but then backed it down to watch the competition.
"It's been a rough year, so far," said Tricker. "So I just wanted to make sure I came away with the win.
"The track was pretty rough, which I like, but it can also put you on the ground if you're not paying attention. I like it when it's rough, and I didn't feel like I struggled, but I made a mistake here and there so I wanted me make sure I stayed upright."
Tricker went on to take the win, with Gieger in second and reigning WMX champ Marissa Markelon in third.
Gieger's 2-2 tally was good enough for the overall win, with Tricker's 5-1 beating out Morrow's 1-5, due to the better second-moto score.
Kylie Fasnacht maintains the series points lead after three rounds with 135 points, while Markelon sits in second with 126, and Tricker two points back at 124. The series allows two "throw-out" rounds, so there are still plenty of opportunities for other riders to move into top positions.
The WMX series resumes on May 15 and 16 with the Hangtown Motocross Classic in Rancho Cordova, Calif., for round four of its series.
For more information about the 2015 Women's Motocross Championship, visit the official website at www.RaceWMX.com
Round Results
Tarah Gieger (Hon) 2-2
Mackenzie Tricker (Yam) 5-1
Kaitlyn Morrow (Yam) 1-5
Marissa Markelon (Kaw) 4-3
Brandy Richards (KTM) 3-6
Kylie Fasnacht (Kaw) 6-4
Sayaka Kaneshiro (Hon) 7-7
Shelby Rolen (Kaw) 8-8
Laura Woods (Hon) 9-9
Amber Felicio (Hon) 12-10
Top Image: Tarah Gieger took the overall WMX win at the California Classic
Credit: Shan Moore
