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Walstrom disappointed by third place in Baja 1,000

Local extreme athlete Kye Walstrom returned last month from Ensenada, Mexico, where he placed a disappointing third in the world-renowned Baja 1,000 endurance race.

Local extreme athlete Kye Walstrom returned last month from Ensenada, Mexico, where he placed a disappointing third in the world-renowned Baja 1,000 endurance race.

Normally, anyone would be extremely happy placing third in such an extreme event, but not the 18-yearold from Ladner. That's because he won the same event the previous year.

This time, Walstrom teamed up with a fellow racer from Arizona.

Walstrom had a commanding hour lead over the next racer at approximately the 600-mile mark. That's when he handed the ATV to his partner, who was to ride approximately four to five hours before handing it back.

Walstrom and his dad had to drive quickly along the highway to meet his partner at a designated checkpoint. Unfortunately, Walstrom's partner got lost in the dark as his GPS malfunctioned, and was lost for over five hours in a mountain pass.

If that wasn't bad enough, he also ran out of gas. Luckily, another racer eventually came along and gave his partner enough gas to make it to the next checkpoint. However, the damage was already done and Walstrom could only salvage third place.

Walstrom said he'd make changes so it won't happen next time.

To help sponsor Walstrom, or be part of his support group, contact him at kona_biker_kye@hotmail.com. Also, Walstrom couldn't do what he does without the continuing support from companies such as Elka Suspension from Montreal, Spyoptics, Alpinestars, Ogio, Fly Helmets, GoPro Cameras and Delta Speed Pro, to name just a few.