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theGRIT IMAGES / LAKE KILPATRICK
With a collapsing of the pin, the gates slammed into the Maryland soil with a methodic boom, and the field
stormed into the left hand horseshoe. Martin, neck and neck with Adam Cianciarulo for the lead, chose
to tuck in behind the number 44, and follow the lines of the Pro Circuit rider for the opening sequences. Although the gap appeared to lengthen initially, the younger, Cianciarulo, began to peter out nearing the halfway point (eventually crashing), and the enduring stamina of the number 26 kicked in. He would capture the lead near the 14 minute mark, and look to sprint away from the field while he had a clear track ahead. That he did, but AC44 was attempting to mount a resurgence of energy towards the front after his fall, showcasing that his stamina is on the come up, even this late in the season. Martin began to sense the rider behind him, dabbling his foot in the deep, grotesque ruts, clipping banners and miscalculating breaking bumps. He would eventually weather the storm, fighting all elements, and bring home the highly coveted win he constantly yearns for. Positioned next to Cooper Webb off the start, the jump for Martin was less than ideal, placing him in a mediocre twelfth place spot in the beginning moments. As the two lap board neared, the veteran-esque qualities began to appear for the number 26. Passing AC down one of the roughest hills of the track, he moved into fourth, and began to chase his teammate of Webb. He would follow Cooper to the finish line, with a fourth place moto finish, and second place overall.
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