Jose Cintron Exhibits Great Sportsmanlike Conduct at WEXCR Round 1

We all know XC racing is a ton of fun, but that it definitely comes with a dangerous side. That’s how we know we have the toughest athletes racing in our sport! That’s also why it is so important to treat your fellow racers as your ‘Racing Family’ – you never know when you might need some help.

That happened during WEXCR Round 1 at King Knob when Justin Leasure went down during the race and Jose Cintron came up on the accident.

“The track was really wet due to weather the previous few days, so the downhills were slick. After losing control on a downhill and breaking my ankle a few years ago, I’m a little more cautious now,” said Jose Cintron.

Once he decided to walk the bike down a downhill, he heard screams for help. He explained, “I saw what happened and dropped my bike on the spot to check on the injured rider. He was at the bottom of the hill, right next to the path of the other riders.”

With the help of several spectators talking with Leasure, Cintron decided that since he was wearing upper body protection, he would communicate to riders to slow down and push them away if needed so they did not hit the injured rider on the ground.

“It wasn’t just me,” said Cintron. “It was a huge team effort. I know that racing costs quite a bit of money, but we’re a close knit off-road family.”

Cintron stated, “It only takes a few seconds to check on an injured rider. Put the riding boot on the other foot. Imagine if it was you. Would you want help? After all, we are out riding in the boonies and sometimes a split second decision makes the difference. I’ve been in that situation and have had many riders stop and help me out. I tip my helmet to you all!”

Cintron rides the 40+ C Class on a RMZ 450. The entire WEXCR Racing Staff and all of our racing family thank you for your courageous and heartfelt response to an injured rider. We tip our helmet to you, Jose!

On another positive note, the rider that went down was checked out and released from the hospital early that night with a slight concussion and some bruises, he is doing well and looking to return to race with us soon!

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