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1st Place SPORT
Men Master I 45-49
Karl Faruzel - Chenango Point/Metalurges |
Date: July 15, 2001 Event: Fair Hill Classic Name: Karl Faruzel City: Binghamton State/Province: NY Country: USA Age: 45 CLASS +/or Age group: Master 1 Category: Sport Team: Chenango Point/Metalurges XC Race Bike: Klein Mantra Race Tires: Michelin Conditions: Dry and fast. |
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Did you do anything special (apart from the whole training lifestyle) to prepare for this race?
I did a 12 Hour race the weekend before. My first one, I rode on a mixed team. They asked me to ride a week before on the premise "don't expect to win,we ride for fun". We ended up second overall in the mixed division. I rode 5 of our 14 laps. Pulling a double lap at mid point. It was fun. Then the usual club races during the week.
Was the water crossing fun?
Yes. I was surprised at the depth of the water.
What was your favorite part of the course?
Hard to tell. I was amazed at all the single track. Some of it was incredibly tight. The whole course was fun. It was epic and I'm looking forward to Granogue.
Were you strong from start to finish?
Yes. I'm more suited to longer races. I had to work harder after the chain problem. John Thompson was keeping the pressure on with his knowledge of the trails.
Did you have any interesting experiences during your race (exchanges with competitors/spectators)?
No. Most people were gracious in letting me pass when I asked. I liked the sign that said "cold beer".
When did you put the hammer down?
Somebody went hard on the road at the start and I passed them to lead into the single track. They passed me back. But I repassed them to lead into the next section. I tried to go hard on the first few climbs and get a gap.
Did you have any unusual problems?
Just the same chain problem I had at Fell Mountain.
Were you happy with the way the race was run?
The setting was fantastic. Registration was very efficient. A huge amount of work had to go into this race to handle the numbers that showed up to race.
Is there anything you would like to add?
Like many others, I too was disappointed at waiting for results. But as a promoter
my heart went out to them. They had done a great job. So what people need to
ask themselves is. Did you have a good time racing? The answer will probably
be yes. So focus on that, you did have a good time. As for the results. Most
people that race never promote or help with a race. If you want to make it better,
volunteer. Be involved don't just focus on the negative. These people worked
hard to give us a quality event. They deserve praise not scorn. Special Thanks
to Don Morrison for letting me stay over after waiting till the end for results.