August 21, 2004 - INTERVIEW
Name: Ryan Isbert
City: Newark
State/Province: De
Country: USA
Age: 20
Place: 1st
Category: Beginner
Class or Age Group: SR1
Team: University of Delaware
Race Bike: KleinattittudeVdisc
Tires: deathgrip2.1
Email: ryn@udel.edu
How was your fitness level going into this race?
Intense and extensive road cycling for 10 months prior to a three week
crash course on the trails before the race.
Were you happy with your position going into the singletrack?
No, I was not especially thrilled, but this was most likely attributed
to not being familiar with mountain bike racing in general.
Were you strong from start to finish?
There were efforts at times but controlled ones. I felt physically strong.
When did you put the hammer down?
Mostly on descents and tight singletrack.
solid kick at finish.
Did you have any unusual problems?
Had an early tumble bent my hanger - had an interesting gear selection-
not suited much for any climbing or quick changes.
Were you happy with the way the race was run?
I thought the race was organized and marshaled remarkably, but to my surprise
the awards ceremony/photos were poorly orchestrated- that in turn seemed
to cheapen the race day with a lackluster conclusion.
Did you have any interesting experiences during your race (exchanges
with competitors/spectators)?
I got the impression mountainbike racers on trail or in race perform with
a courtesy I have yet to experience in road races.
Anything you would like to add?
My first mtb race.