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DAVI MILLSAPS
450 SX / A-1
IMAGE / MPG WORDS / MATTINGLY DESIGN / WILSON
>> The winter months tend to bring an array of conditions to the California coast. Each year it seems as though weather patterns swap, and add a variable to our game, in which many sports don’t have to deal with. Rain
or shine, the show continues to roll on, mother nature forcing both crowd and crew to come equipped with ponchos and umbrellas, just to keep the population on their toes. Davi Millsaps is all too familiar with less than op- timal groundwork, being forced to race in different landscapes throughout his career; therefore while checking the forecast for this week, he rested well assured, knowing that he was ready to tackle any obstacle that was thrown at him. The course was treacherous, each lane and section provid- ing a unique task of individuality, and Davi began to chip away with peculiar precision. The stout frame of the Georgian would leave many fearing his weight to RPM ratio would falter amongst a field of smaller jockeys, how- ever the number 18 would wind up with a respectable start around the first corner. Never the one to be short on talent, many in the industry wondered how Millsaps would fare, since his absence has been looming for the past few years. He quickly hushed all chatter, placing skills for everyone in the crowd to see. His technique, with his torso cocked at a 45 degree angle, seemed to allow the suspension to travel through its plush stroke at the op- timal time. He fared well in the whoop sections; as the ground deteriorated, his frame never yielded to the harsh earth below. Although he did fall to a few of the top in the world, it was certainly nothing to be ashamed of. His effort was highly touted amongst all in attendance, as he battled with the likes of Cole Seely and others for quite some time. All in all, a seventh place finish was rather spectacular for Millsaps and crew, as they are hoping to build off this result in the weeks to come.
22 GRITMOTO • JANUARY 9, 2017