Event: Iron Hill Challenge

Name: Joe Fritsch

City: Olney

State/Province: MD

Country: USA

Age: 34

Place: 2nd

Category: Expert

CLASS +/or Age group: 30-34

Team: College Park Bikes/ Trek Bikes

XC Race Bike: Trek STP 400

Tires: Python Air Lights

Conditions: Dry and Hot

How was your fitness level going into this race?

Tired. This past week was a hard week. I had to cut my long Thursday ride short due to not eating enough during the week.

Were you happy with your position going into the singletrack?

NO! I flatted during warm up and started a minute behind my class.

Were you strong from start to finish?

I hit the wall hard halfway through the second lap after taking the lead, but was able to recover the end of the 3rd and into the fourth to hold on to second place.

When did you put the hammer down?

Trying to get to the start on time! Then too many times trying to catch up.

Did you have any unusual problems?

Besides missing my start, I crashed just after taking the lead and had to chase the leader again. I then hit the wall shortly after regaining the lead. But I didn't flat during the race!

Were you happy with the way the race was run?

Again a great run race.

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

The racers were great at letting me by as I was catching up. Thanks everyone!

Anything you would like to add?

Thanks to First State Velo and sponsors for a great race. Thanks to College Park Bikes and Trek for all their help.