Page 18 - Issue-35

COLE SEELY
450 SX / OKLAND
IMAGE / MPG WORDS / MATTINGLY DESIGN / WILSON
>> Nearly a third of the way through the series, there are multiple ways to look at a specific rider’s position in the point standings. One can view it as a glass half full, thankful for the ability to make it thus far, looking forward to claiming as many points as possible in the rounds that lay ahead; because as we all know, fortunes can change in an instant in this game. The other, a slightly pessimistic view, opting to throw in the towel, basically claiming that the series is over, and focusing on next year.
Cole Seely is the first of the two scenarios, and this is why both fans and team owner’s alike gravitate towards him; they truly respect his sense of showmanship and fierce determination at every event, no matter what odd’s are against him. Oakland was no different; although having a few minor hiccups throughout today, and the beginning of this series he knew this event was a fresh start, and was more than ready to take all he could away from the event. As the gate fell for the main event, he began to joust with the highest of combatants across the globe. Swapping paint, banging bars, he was showing no signs of backing down. Moving his
way passed Davi Millsaps in the early going, his median off the top five position held true, nestled between the likes of Cooper Webb, Jason Anderson, and Eli Tomac. He was showing no signs of fear or distraction, even after getting involved with a roll-off stream in the early going, he would fight through, smooth as ever. When he had the opportunity to run Anderson wide, battling for fourth in the heat of the event, he did. Mak- ing sure his presence was felt. He wasn’t just going to be let off the hook that easily however, as Tomac would work his way through, and he and Anderson would throw down yet again; this time, the 14 would receive a small loss on the judges scorecards. He would reside in fifth place for the remainder of the event, and satisfied with a position in which he earned through hard work and proper preparation.
18 GRITMOTO • FEBRUARY 5, 2017