Corona, CA: Thomas and Husqvarna on the Podium at Unadilla GNCC

After the long summer break, Grand National Cross Country (GNCC) racing has finally resumed and FAR Husqvarna racers Jason Thomas and Morgan Moss were back in action for round 10 of the 2011 series, which took place at the famous Unadilla Raceway in New Berlin, New York. Thomas had a great day, leading the way for much of the race, but settled for second.Moss and Thomas got the start and led the pack into the woods. At the green flag it was Thomas leading the way. It was a dogfight all day between Thomas and Jordan Ashburn – the two riders were never more than 15 seconds apart for the three-hour duration. At the fuel stop, Thomas was still leading. At the white flag, Thomas was still in control and pushing hard to complete the final eight-mile lap in the lead. On the last hill – no more than 50 feet from the finish – a lapped rider got crossed up and fell into Jason’s line, knocking him to the ground and costing him the win.

“It’s not the ending we were looking for, but that’s racing…” commented team manager Fred Andrews of the FAR Husqvarna team.

“I worked hard all summer break with my fitness and bike setup,” Thomas said. “It paid off today! Yes, I am disappointed I lost the race so close to the finish, but I gained points in the championship. I am strong and my Husqvarna TXC worked awesome.”

Unfortunately for Moss, he tangled with some downed XC1 riders on the first lap, which preceded a mechanical failure. Moss and Thomas are still both in the top-ten in points, and even with his second-place finish, Thomas made an important gain in the championship.