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1st Place OVERALL
Chris Eatough - TREK/VW/JBL |
| Date: July 22, 2001 Event: Escape From Granogue Name: Chris Eatough City: Baldwin State/Province: MD Country: USA Age: 26 CLASS +/or Age group: Senior Category: Pro Team: Trek/VW/JBL XC Race Bike: Trek Fuel Tires: Bontrager Super X Conditions: Dry n' hot |
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Did you do anything special (apart from the whole training lifestyle) to prepare for this race?
I used a Platypus Hydration Pack because it was very hot, and the racecourse is full of action, which makes it difficult to drink from water bottles
Did you make it up all of the hills?
Yes, but 2 of them had me in the granny gear!
What was your favorite part of the course?
Transitions from high speed open sections to tight single track in the woods. It was like the Ewoks in Star Wars.
Were you strong from start to finish?
The day before I had raced a tough road race with 7000 feet of climbing. I recover well, but racing back to back takes away from some of my snap at the beginning of the second day's race. I started conservatively, but kept cruising at a good pace.
Did you have any interesting experiences during your race (exchanges with competitors/spectators)?
The crowd on the steep, open climb was awesome. The cheering was like a world cup!
When did you put the hammer down?
John MacInnis attacked me half way around the first lap. I followed John's pace for the rest of the first lap, then gradually moved away.
Did you have any unusual problems?
No. My bike was perfect.
Were you happy with the way the race was run?
I was very impressed with the organization. We started right on time, which is very unusual in mtb racing these days. The course marking and marshaling was first class, there were several water stations, and the announcer kept people informed.
Is there anything you would like to add?
This is an awesome venue for a race. I'd love to come back and ride these trails
on a motor bike! If only we were allowed to swim in the pond afterwards.....