race recap
ADAM CIANCIARULO | GRIT-219 | 450SX
May 9, 2023 · Adam Cianciarulo
ADAM CIANCIARULO | GRIT-219 | SX 450
The road less traveled, but one that embodied a notion of overcoming adversity and persevering against all odds, would be exhibited by Kawasaki's Adam Cianciarulo thus far in his racing career. The former amateur phenom had suffered numerous injuries in recent memory, but carried a sense of self belief that couldn't be forged...which was on display throughout practice on Saturday. His mantra of outright speed and bundling countless strong laps together would then propel him into heat number one, where third place was garnered behind Kyle Chisholm and Ken Roczen. Ken would do his best to storm forward at the front of the pack, even with Adam trailing...and this would encourage "AC" to move around Chisholm as quickly as possible. Moving into the runner-up registry by the end of lap two, it was then a game of cat and mouse between he and the German rider in regard to comparing lap-times. Cianciarulo would be stellar through the whoops and right-handed corner there after, providing the optimum amount of throttle while traveling to the finish-line as quickly as possible. The Kawasaki racer would put forth a phenomenal effort when trying to overtake the number ninety-four machine, but there wasn't enough speed that could be corralled prior to the checkered flag being thrown, leading Adam to claim second on the final leaderboard. For the main event, Adam would be behind Shane McElrath and Eli Tomac as the first lap was completed; but he quickly moved past the North Carolina native and into the runner-up position before the second circuit was finalized. Now in the runner-up position, he seemed to be solidified here in the running order prior to seeing Eli Tomac exit the raceway rather quickly. It was then, that Adam took over the lead! And he would maintain the reign over the field until the end of the sixth lap, when Chase Sexton would work his way by after a bit of pressure applied on behalf of the Honda rider. Cianciarulo was riding at a stellar pace, but knew that garnering a notable main event outcome would be the best thing for him in regard to boosting his confidence. Therefore as Ken Roczen eventually caught (and passed) him just before completing the twentieth circuit, there was little that could displease the native Floridian at that point in the moto. He was now third, and had substantial margin over fourth place...knowing that he could cruise to the finish line and obtain a bronze medal overall by the time all was said and done. And that's exactly what the number nine would do, claiming third as the checkered flag waved in Denver!