Chris Eatough Race Interview - White Haven Challenge '01

I didn't pre-ride the course, which always makes it mentally difficult to attack (you don't know where the hard bits are!) I'm also training with lots of long rides right now (a 5 hour ride and three four-hour rides this week) to prepare for solo 24 hour racing, so I'm fit, but I don't have "snap" in my legs.

Did you have any problems getting into the singletrack?

No, I was first one in.

How did you like the long climbs?

The grassy climb was quite long, but I had been riding smoothly in the singletrack before it, so I was rested. The short, steeper singletrack climb near the end was good for me. It was more tricky, and that's where I could get away for good.

Were you strong from start to finish?

Yes, the effort was not too tough today. The race was short (under 1 hour 20 mins for 18 miles), which was a nice change - I think it's good that some races are longer, and some are shorter.

Were you happy with the way the race was run?

Yes. The swag raffle was the biggest I've ever seen! The venue was great, being in a small pleasant town. Maybe we could integrate with the town fair more and attract people to watch the race?

When did you put the hammer down?

On the final singletrack climb. Jason Moore was riding well and hung like a leech until then.

Did you have any unusual problems?

I blew by a couple of turns near the end when I was pushing hard and had my head down, but I saw them right away to double back.

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

Jason buzzed my rear tire with his front on an early climb. Sorry I was going too slow for you, Jason!

Do you enjoy point to point races more than lap races?

I like them both. Point to point is more of an adventure. Lap races allow you to track your progress, get better at sections each time, and get more water hand-offs!