Event: Escape from Granogue

Name: Joe Fritsch

City: Olney

State/Province: MD

Country: USA

Age: 34

Place: 1st

Category: Expert

CLASS +/or Age group: 30-34

Team: College Park Bikes/ Trek Bikes

XC Race Bike: STP 400

Tires: Python Air Light

Conditions: Dry

How was your fitness level going into this race?

I wasn't really sure. This has been a rest week after 2 really hard weeks of training. I did manage to drop 5 lbs since spring. I'm really happy with that.

Were you happy with your position going into the singletrack?

Yes. Due to my BMX background I usually have a fast start. More than being happy with leading into the woods, I was happy that the body didn't feel as taxed as it usually does when I lead out.

Were you strong from start to finish?

Surprisingly, yes. I usually start out fast but too fast and fade after about 15 minutes. Today I ignored the legs begging for more speed at the beginning and made sure I was recovering between the climbs. It was my best race in years!

When did you put the hammer down?

I never really did. I knew with the heat I would pay if I did. I would accelerate mid way up and over the short climbs but never floored it. It worked well, I was just holding off the leg cramps the last time up the last steep field climb.

Did you have any unusual problems?

Thankfully not.

Were you happy with the way the race was run?

The race was run great. Everything went smoothly. It was good that they delayed the start so the the we wouldn't tangle in the woods with riders from the earlier race.

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

The spectators were great. Very helpful with all the water and the cheering helped to get over the hills!

Anything you would like to add?

Thanks to College Park Bicycles and Trek for helping me out this year!