The Orange Seal Pro Cup took place this weekend in Temecula, California, as the first event of the US Pro Cup season, the action-packed racing featured Jenn Jackson of Liv Factory Racing securing two second-place finishes. Vailocity Bike Park is renowned for its beautiful landscapes and challenging terrains, making it an ideal location for this event, which included a brand-new course layout.
In the first race of the weekend, the XCC Short Track, Jackson fought off some early-season jitters and finished in second place with a time of 21 minutes and 40 seconds. Reflecting on the race, Jackson remarked, "First race of the year nerves were peaking for short track on Friday in what turned out to be a very tactical on/off the gas race. I played my cards a bit more conservatively, staying out of the wind on the high speed track and saving my matches for the last lap and jump for a second-place finish."
The following day brought inclement weather for the Women's Elite XCO. Battling it out for crucial UCI points - Jackson stays consistent and brings home a second-place finish once again, behind Haley Batten. "I did my best to hold the gap, but once it started to go out I just kept telling myself, she’s pushing for the World Cup podium and I’m pushing for my personal best World Cup results and that gave me some strong resolve to keep putting in consistent laps and just focus on riding my fastest race."
Racing on the new Pique Advanced 29, which proved well-suited for her and the challenging course, Jackson reported, "I'm really happy with how the new bike is feeling, and like I've made some measurable improvements in my fitness and racecraft over the off-season."
Jackson heads to Fayetteville, Arkansas, for the second round of the US Pro Cup and then sets eyes on the World Cup Series. "I'm keen for some more racing in Fayetteville before heading to the World Cups in Brazil with the whole team!"
Stay tuned for more Liv Racing action and learn more about the new Pique Advanced 29 HERE.