Date: May 19, 2000
Event: Chevy Trucks NORBA NCS#1 - Big Bear
Class: OPEN
Category: Pro Women
Length:Two 8.47 mi laps - 17 miles
Time: 1:29:36
Bike: Rigid Gary Fisher with Black box Rock Shox forks
Tires: Hutchinson Pythons

Picture from World Cup #1 (1st Place)Napa Valley, Ca
courtesy XC Rider

1. Did you do anything special to prepare for this race?

I had more rest than usual as I was feeling very tired from the recent travel and World Cup races.

2. In the last two months how many hours per week have you trained on average?

Less than other years, about 15 to 18 hours a week.

3. Was winning this race as much of a rush as winning World Cup #1 in Napa earlier this year?

No, as I said above, I was tired and I was glad to find that I could win despite this.

4. Who did you feel was your toughest competitor at Big Bear, Ruthie Matthes, Ann Trombley, or........?

Ann Trombley rode a very strong race on both days.

5. Were you strong from start to finish?

Yes, I was consistent. As I was tired, I eased myself into the race. I had expected to battle to stay in the top five but I ended up leading the race.

6. When did you put the hammer down?

That, I did not do, I kept very consistent all the way through as I had limited energy.

7. Did you have any unusual problems?

I did a messy gear change a few times and dropped my chain. It didn't take long to get it back on but it did interfere with my race.

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Mary Grigson Australia's Leading MTB Woman

8. How do you rate the course?

Challenging and hard work. I liked it

9. Were you happy with the way the race was run?

Yes

10. If you could do the race again would you do anything differently?

No, I won the race, you can't get any better than first.

11. You seem to be riding very strong this year..... are you "on schedule" mentally and physically to peak (or be your strongest) for the 2000 Olympics in Sydney?

Yes, this year has come together for me. I have a big focus for the Olympics later this year.

12. The move from New Zealand to Australia in 1995 seems to have been a good decision. Are you happy with your choice?

It was not an easy decision but it was the right one. The NZ federation has supported my move 100 percent. The Australian federation, Australian Institute of Sport made me the athlete I am today. It has been a worth while and happy experience.

13. Is your next race (Worlds) in Sierra Nevada, Spain important to you?

Yes, for the past two years I have missed the world champs due to injury and sickness. 3rd time lucky eh?

Thank you Mary Grigson for the interview!!