Set for Staring
This one became our magazine cover shot. Not too much debate over it being cover worthy! Simon Cudby Eli's crazy charge from 13th to first in the second Budds Creek moto was the first indication he had found another speed level. He didn't let up much from there. Simon Cudby At times it appeared like Eli was floating above the track. This Elsinore shot is an example. Simon Cudby Eli giving it full twist, while also metering things with an index finger on the clutch. He's also using his legs to grip the bike, even with a foot down. Riding coaches often mention Eli's footwork--he's keeping his left foot pointed in and gripping, even while gravity is trying to pull him back and out. Simon Cudby Want to clear that big hip jump double at High Point? Push it like this. Simon Cudby More floating over the track madness. We can't even figure where that roost is coming from! Simon Cudby Simply aggro. Simon Cudby Uh, you know that little thing about keeping your foot up out of the ruts? Check. Simon Cudby It looks like Eli is just now getting on the power and setting up, but check out the trail of roost he's already left behind. Simon Cudby Pretty unique that Eli runs ear plugs while he's riding. Here he removes them so he can hear the RedBud crowd even better. Simon Cudby At times, ET makes a 200 plus-pound CRF250R seem like a little BMX bike. Simon Cudby Floating above the track again. Simon Cudby Boot roost. Now that's keeping your feet on the pegs! Simon Cudby The altitude is high enough at Thunder Valley, so Eli shows how to keep 'er low over a jump. Simon Cudby Here's where we get to use the classic 'This is the only part of Tomac the competition got to see' caption. Simon Cudby Here's Eli setting up a perfect landing on the relatively flat ground after Gravity Cavity. Simon Cudby Utah had elevation, too. Sometimes you have to stretch a 250 to make those jumps! Simon Cudby Brrrrrraaaaaappp! Simon Cudby Tomac's first public appearance as the new 250MX Champ. He earned it! Simon Cudby