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1st Place PRO/Expert
Senior Men 19-26
Ryan DeWald - K2/SHIRK'S BIKES |
Date: July 15, 2001 Event: Fair Hill Classic Name: Ryan DeWald City: Reading State/Province: PA Country: USA Age: 21 CLASS +/or Age group: Senior Men 19-26 Category: Pro Team: Shirk's Bikes XC Race Bike: K2 - Razorback |
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Tires: Bontrager
Conditions: Mostly Sunny and warm
Email: heckler96@aol.com
Did you do anything special (apart from the whole training lifestyle) to prepare for this race?
Not really, I've been stretching more than normal and riding a lot........not letting my muscles go dormant. I think it's been helping. It was a hard start...... and I'm going at it a different way...... using my heart rate monitor....... that's what I've been doing...... not going too hard.
Did you rest yesterday knowing that you'd have to race hard today?
I did a road race (crit) last night at 5pm (under23)...... it was about an 18 mile race. I got in a three man break at the end and was second only to the junior national track champion.
Was the water crossing fun?
I liked it. It though everybody's rhythm off enough to slow things down....... you could take a drink ....... then it was immediately back into race form after the next descent......but it definitely threw off the rhythm with the cold on the legs....
What was your favorite part of the course?
The road finish and...... I'd say all of the turns...... I just like turning. You were constantly making a left or a right........ left or right........ there must have been like........ 700 turns.
Were you strong from start to finish?
Yeah.... I stayed pretty steady. I just sat in...... I didn't pull through...... my skill was off a little bit on the mountain bike so I wanted follow somebody......... let them hit stuff and I would dodge it...... and just sat in until the end. I made one little attack when Scott Henry got into lapped traffic. I heard a fumble...... and it was my chance to get away. Jay Duffy stuck with me........ we got caught by Jason (Moore) there towards the end and us three rode the single track together to the finish. Jay Duffy lead it out ....... coming up the line when I knew we were on macadam I gunned it.
Were you out front when you hit the macadam?
No...... I was in the back.
Did you have any interesting experiences during your race (exchanges with competitors/spectators)?
No.. it was a fun time.
When did you put the hammer down?
Right there at the end. 300 meters.
Did you have any unusual problems?
No, the bike worked excellent...... and the tires hooked up perfect for the course.
Were you happy with the way the race was run?
Yeah.... it was good.
Is there anything you would like to add?
I just hope this series keeps growing......... getting 700 people to turn out
for a race is excellent.