Proving his form on the mountain bike is nearing its peak, Ryan Trebon (Kona) obliterated a field of the Rocky Mountain region’s best talent to win the Teva Mountain Games cross-country race, on Sunday in Vail, Colorado.

Trebon, the 2006 U.S. cyclocross national champ, attacked on the opening climb of the 26.4-mile race, and held his solo advantage to the end. His seven-minute victory over defending champion “Jungle” Jay Henry (Tokyo Joe’s) earned the lanky Kona rider a fat $3000 paycheck.

“Wow, that’s way better cash than I’ve ever earned for any mountain bike race in my life. That’s a couple of mortgage payments,” said Trebon, who purchased a home in Bend, Oregon, in July of last year. “I wasn’t planning on going until [Giant rider] Carl [Decker] told me how good the prize money and exposure is.”

Indeed, the Teva Games has grown into a favorite of regional and national-level road and mountain bikers due to its rich pro payout ($17,000), festival atmosphere and plethora of spectators. The four-day event includes pro and amateur competitions in mountain biking, kayaking, fly-fishing, rock climbing and adventure racing.

Last year the event even wooed embattled 2006 Tour champ Floyd Landis, who competed in his first cycling races since his suspension for exogenous testosterone in 2006.

Winning the women’s race was four-time national cyclocross champ Katie Compton (Spike Shooter), who held off Heather Holmes (Hayes-Kenda-Titus) by nearly six minutes. Compton spends her summer months racing Colorado’s Mountain State’s Cup (www.racemsc.com) and also won the cross-country race at the May 23-26 Chile Challenge in Angel Fire, New Mexico.

2008 Teva Mountain Games Cross country
June 7, 2008

Men
1. Ryan Trebon, Kona, 2:06:01
2. Jay Henry, Tokyo Joe’s, 2:13:13
3. Tad Elliot, USA National, 2:13:53
4. Andy Schultz, Hayes-Titus-Kenda, 2:13:58
5. Cody Peterson, Scott, 2:14:50
6. Brian Fuentes, Waltworks-Fuentes Design, 2:15:50
7. Ross Schnell, Trek-Volkswagen, 2:16:10
8. Ned Overend, Specialized, 2:17:19
9. Kelly Magelky, Dale’s Pale Ale, 2:18:43
10. Josh Bezecny, 3D, 2:21:31

Women
1. Katie Compton, 2:02:27
2. Heather Holmes, Hayes-Titus-Kenda, 2:08:0-1
3. Gretchen Reeves, Tokyo Joe’s, 2:08:39
4. Pua Sawicki, Team Mata, 2:10:06
5. Chloe Forsman, Luna, 2:10:49
6. Kelli Emmett, Giant, 2:12:47
7. Sari Anderson, 2:14:29
8. Judy Freeman, Tough Girl, 2:15:28
9. Keri Nelson, 2:18:11
10. Caitlyn Tuel, Trek-Volkswagen, 2:18:42