Race report from Multivan Merida Biking Team:

Sea Otter Classic: Gunn-Rita Dahle dominates, Ralph Näf gets 4th

At the Supercross Mountainbike Race at the Sea Otter Festival (Monterey, USA) Norway's Gunn-Rita Dahle opened up a gaping lead in Day 1 of the MTB Omnium today at the 2006 Sea Otter Classic, the world's largest cycling festival. The 2004 Olympic gold medalist got to work right away in the first lap with a strong effort in the first climb, which motivated her to step on her pedals even harder.

In the mens race, Frenchmen Jean Christophe Peraud won the supercross race while Swiss Ralph Näf became 4th after showing up as one of the most aggressive racers during this supercross competition. José Antonio Hermida finishes stage 1 of the MTB Omnium on 7th position. While beeing part of a chasing group Hermida never pushed up the speed while his teammate Ralph Näf was leading the race.

Results Mountaincross, Sea Otter Classic, Monterey (USA), Men:
1. Jean Christophe Peraud (Fra) Orbea
2. Bart Brentjens (Ned) Giant-Racing-Team
3. Chris Jongewaard (Aus) Australian National Team
4. Ralph Naef (Sui) Multivan Merida Biking Team
5. Liam Killeen (GBr) Specialized Factory Racing
6. Todd Wells (USA) Gt Bicycles
7. Jose Antonio Hermida (Esp) Multivan Merida Biking Team
8. Sid Taberlay (Aus) Dolphin Bike Team
9. Karl Platt (Ger) Rocky Mountain Business Objects
10. Matt Kelly (USA) Subaru-Gary Fisher
11. Thomas Frischknecht (Sui) Swisspower MTB Team
12. Christophe Sauser (Sui) Specialized Factory Racing

Results Mountaincross, Sea Otter Classic Monterey (USA), Women:
1. Gunn-Rita Dahle (Nor) Multivan Merida Biking Team
2. Alison Sydor (Can) Rocky Mountain/Business Objects
3. Georgia Gloud (USA) Luna Women's Mtb Team
4. Irmiger Heather (USA) Subaru-Gary Fisher
5. Kiara Bisaro (Can) Gearsracing.Com