Cycle News

Cycle News 2023 Issue 10 March 14

Cycle News is a weekly magazine that covers all aspects of motorcycling including Supercross, Motocross and MotoGP as well as new motorcycles

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DeLong Claims First Career GNCC Victory T he 2023 Grand National Cross Country Series saw its third winner of the first three rounds when Rockstar En- ergy Husqvarna's Craig DeLong claimed his first-ever XC-1 win at March 12 General GNCC at Aonia Pass in Washington, Georgia. Just one week after racing the Wild Boar GNCC in Florida, the GNCC regulars lined up again for an extremely muddy round three of the series in the slippery red clay of Georgia. DeLong has been steadily improving throughout the year, finishing fifth at the opener at Big Buck, and then third last week - end at the Wild Boar. In Georgia, DeLong finally broke through for the win in difficult conditions, which was one of the wettest GNCCs in recent history. DeLong grabbed the holeshot to lead the race early but was passed midlap by Tely Racing Rocky Mountain MC KTM's Stew- ard Baylor, with FMF/KTM team- mates Ben Kelley and Johnny Girroir running third and fourth, respectively. After passing DeLong and leading half a lap, Baylor buried his bike in a mudhole, handing the lead back to DeLong. This would be the story of the day for all the riders, as each would gain ground, only to lose valu- able seconds getting stuck in a mudhole. At the end of lap one, a trio of XC-2 250 Pro riders—Evan Smith, Jonathan Johnson, both factory Beta riders, and Trail Jesters KTM's Grant Davis—held the top three positions on adjusted time, taking advantage of the XC-1 WIND IN THE P54 (Above) Andrew DeLong captured his first career GNCC win at a soggy one in Georgia. (Right) Evan Smith (347) gets off to a fast start in the XC-2 Pro class, but Angus Riordan emerged with the win, just ahead of Smith. PHOTOS: KEN HILL

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