Event: Race for Chocolate

Name: Stephen Del Monte

City: Philadelphia

State/Province: PA

Country: USA

Age: 25

Place: 1st

Category: Sport

CLASS +/or Age group: Senior I

Team: Shirk's

XC Race Bike: Trek 8000

Tires: Bontrager

Conditions: Muddy

Email: delmo86@hotmail.com

How was your fitness level going into this race?

I felt a little sluggish after the first lap, but I knew if I kept hammering everything would fall into place.

Were you happy with your position going into the singletrack?

Yes, I know that at Hershey you have to go out hard to avoid a log jam and that's what I did.

Were you strong from start to finish?

For the most part, I think I got stronger as the race went on.

When did you put the hammer down?

When I saw Jerry on the turn around, he had been leading the entire race and when I finally saw him I dug a little deeper.

Did you have any unusual problems?

Not really.

Were you happy with the way the race was run?

Yes. Everyone who was helping out did a great job with directions on the course and support for the racers.

Did you have any interesting experiences during your race (exchanges with competitors/spectators)?

Yeah, at one point I almost ate it going down hill too fast and an older gentleman pulled to the side and said, "Son, it's only a race, make sure you live to tell about it!" I thanked him for his reality check later on.

Anything you would like to add?

Thanks to Shirk's and everyone who make competing at the Super Series a pleasure!