Event: Iron Hill

Name: David Duvall

City: Baltimore

State/Province: MD

Country: USA

Age: 34

Place: 1st

Category: Pro

CLASS +/or Age group: Senior 1

Team: Trek/VW East Coast

XC Race Bike: Fuel 100

Tires: Bontrager Jones/AC

Conditions: hot, dry, fast

Email: bigracer_x@hotmail.com

How was your fitness level going into this race?

Good

Were you happy with your position going into the singletrack?

No. The starter didn't give us any warning before he said "go." So I had to chase for the first couple of minutes just to make it into the top 10. I think I was 7th upon entering the singletrack.

Were you strong from start to finish?

I felt strong, but the heat kept me from being able to really attack the course... but I think everyone felt the effects of the heat, somewhat.

When did you put the hammer down?

I just rode as steady as possible. I wanted to ride a clean race with few or no mistakes.

Did you have any unusual problems?

Yes, I rode a bit too close to a small tree and a low branch hooked my rear brake line and broke the guide that held it... causing the line to go into my rear wheel, practically stopping me. I had to pull it out of the wheel twice during my final lap, but it only slowed me down a few seconds, I think.

Were you happy with the way the race was run?

Yes

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

The spectators were great! The competitors are always good, and the race was run quite well. I will be back for next year's event.

Anything you would like to add?

I think it was a wise decision to shorten the course due to the heat. I would like to thank my sponsors: Trek, VW, JBL, Bontrager, Nike shoes, Zeal eyewear, Powerbar/Powergel, Sram, Rock Shox, Fox, Time pedals, Hayes brakes, Platypus, Chris King headsets.