Corben Sharrah wins Supercross World Cup opener on Saturday

Apr 13, 2011

Written by Bart de Jong

Read 4863 times

Corben Sharrah (Tucson, Ariz./GT Bicycles) picked up his first Supercross World Cup win on Saturday at the series opener in Pietermaritzburg, South Africa. After qualifying fifth in the time trial superfinal, the 19-year-old Sharrah worked his way through the early rounds and won his semi-final before moving into the main where he powered his way to the top step of the podium.

In the main, Sharrah got the hole shot and looked to be in total control as he led into the first berm. While the pack jostled behind him, he never lost control, racing to the win ahead of Australian

Khalen Young and time trial superfinal winner Joris Daudet of France. Fellow American David Herman (Wheat Ridge, Colo./Intense BMX) also represented the U.S. in the men's final, working his way to seventh-place.

"This track really suited my style of riding," said Sharrah afterwards. "I had a really good gate and won the big battle to get into the first turn first. When I realized I was leading, it was all about staying calm and focused. That was the critical part for me. It feels fantastic to win the first World Cup of the season."

On the women's side of competition, Americans Brooke Crain (Visalia, Calif./Haro-Rockstar) and Alise Post (St. Cloud, Minn./Redline Bicycles) made it to the semi-finals, but missed out on spots in the main after placing 5th and 7th respectively.

For complete results from the opening round of the Supercross World Cup, please visit bmx-results.com.

Pics by BdJ