Several Sea to Sky riders distinguished themselves at the 2024 NW Cup opener in Port Angeles, Wash.
(2:26.51) and (2:29.27) finished one-two in the professional men's division, leaving Mark Wallace of Duncan, B.C. in third (2:29.40). Jakob's younger brother, Dane, settled for fourth (2:29.59).
"Super happy with how I’m feeling heading to the final weeks of prep before the first World Cup!" wrote Jakob on social media.
Adds Cruz: "Fun times getting on a race track again. Was digging hard and ended up [second]! Thanks for a great race, NW Cup."
Among pro women, it was who seized gold (2:49.10) in front of Comox native Emmy Lan with silver (2:52.61). Bronze went to Squamish-based veteran (2:53.22), who left Gracey Hemstreet from Sechelt just outside the medals (2:55.19).
"What a first race weekend at the NW Cup," said Lanthier Nadeau on her Instagram account. "Landed in the zone and on the box. Can’t believe race season is right around the corner. Here for it!"
Meanwhile, emerged victorious in the men's age 17-18 category (2:32.80). North Vancouver's Wyatt Harrington filled the runner-up spot (2:33.85) by narrowly outrunning Jake Polito (2:33.86), who snatched bronze to join his fellow Whistlerite Marino on the podium.
"Hyped!" Marino said on social media. "Thanks for the support and a great weekend Outlaw United, Tyson Henrie and Jake Polito!"
