August 21, 2004 - INTERVIEW
Name: Marc Vettori
City: Elkton
State/Province: Maryland
Country: USA
Age: 33
Place: 5th
Category: Expert
Class or Age Group: SINGLE SPEED
Team: SPOT BRAND
Race Bike: SPOT BRAND 29er
Tires: IRC Mythos
Conditions: moist, but not raining (thank god)
Email: mlvettori@yahoo.com
How was your fitness level going into this race?
I had the best burrito in my life from this place called Taco Shells on
Friday. It was big and huge and so yummy for my tummy. Yes, it did cause
me to use the powder room perhaps more than I had planned, but from a nutritional
standpoint, it definitely had me prepared for the race. Did I mention Sour
cream, and lots of cheese… Cheese to die for…
It was so good, I might have one for lunch Monday too…
Were you happy with your position going into the singletrack?
My main man James Ambagis had a great lead out at the start for me, when
Bobby's boy Keith Goulet and Nick Shaffer attacked; I knew I had to go
with them. I suffered like a dog. I mean, it was really hard, those guys
are fast. Way faster than I can safely go on a bike...
Were you strong from start to finish?
You know my sister in law, saw the picture of my niece and I at iron hill,
my brother's daughter, and before the race today, she says to me "so are
you gonna get a picture with Jake today ? " So wait a second are all my
brothers and sister in laws gonna start showing up with their kids, and
expect me to podium so they can have their picture taken? Do you know how
much pressure that is on me ? I am clearly not up to the task... I mean,
damn that's just mean spirited... That could give a guy with as fragile
a mind as mine some kind of nervous break down… Quick, I need a
therapist…
When did you put the hammer down?
I am fortunate enough to live at Fairhill, so I got to ride my bike to
the race today. That was pretty cool, and despite a 7 minute ride from
my front door to registration, I woke up pretty early this morning. Being
a sucker for the Olympics, I flipped it on. I watched in horror, and amazement
the Badminton Olympic Double Women’s finals. Now I always though
Badminton was a sport you played while drinking at a picnic, and no disrespect
to Badminton players everywhere, because these ladies were incredible,
but I heard the announcer say each country gets 3 teams. This is really
the point of my story, as I watched early this morning, I thought for a
second, wait, Sue Haywood, and Jeremiah Bishop, and Adam Craig are all
home this week, but each county can send 6 people to play drunken lawn
tennis ? I didn’t get it at
all, maybe poker should be in the Olympics?
Did you have any unusual problems?
Hmmm. My toast this morning was a little burnt. That could have been an
omen of things to come. I crashed 2x on trails that I have ridden a 1000
times. The one crash, and I want you to visualize this, I ended up on the
ground with my calf wedged between my brake lever and my handle bar. It
was ridiculous... I flatted later in the race and when changing CO2 cartridges,
the used one became stuck to my glove. Like when you were a kid and made
your brother lick the monkey bars at school in the middle of winter. So
here I am standing in the trail, shaking my arms like I am having a seizure
trying to get the used cartridge off. Strange days for sure.
Were you happy with the way the race was run?
The Delaware Trail Spinners are outstanding. Todd Forrest holds a lofty
place in my world, as a race promoter and rider. One complaint. In every
single speed race I have done this year, the water stops have offered me
beer during the race. Well today, I had some less than ideal situations
come up, and I really wanted a beer stop. But alas, no beer stops could
be found. Rick H did offer me vodka, but I wanted a beer. For the record
I abstained from the vodka and grumpily went on my way
Did you have any interesting experiences during your race (exchanges
with competitors/spectators)?
I was shocked to see Jon Poser in a sling at the start of the race, I was
really bummed, he is one of the regions fastest single speeders, and a super
guy, any group he is a part of is better for having him around. I also got
to ride with one of heroes Fergie. We rode the south park section of the
course and he told me funny jokes that I can't repeat in polite company.
At the very end as I was struggling up the final climb in the hedge row,
Fergie gave me a little push when I had almost exhausted my momentum. That
was really cool. Fergie rules…
Anything you would like to add?
I want to give props to James A for having a great ride today, and to Matt,
who in his first single speed race hit the podium. Hell yeah! I want to thank
Rick at Henry's for working passionately on my bike when I need his rescuing,
Thanks to Howard, Matt and Robby D at Bike line for their support, The folks
at Spot Brand who are just too cool, and so supportive of me. Thanks to my
brothers and sisters in the Evil Empire, you all make me excited to ride.
Finally thanks to my wife who puts up with all of my silliness. Bill I love
you too