May 2, 2004 - INTERVIEW
Name: Don Pagano
City: Carlisle
State/Province: PA
Country: USA
Age: 42
Place: 1st
Category: Sport
Class or Age Group: Vet II
Team: Yellow Breeches Racing
Race Bike: Santa Cruz Blur
Tires: Specialized Roll X with Stan's
Conditions: Muddy
Email: hd383@comcast.net
How was your fitness level going into this race?
Pretty good, not where I'd like to be.
Were you happy with your
position going into the singletrack?
Yes. I caught onto the YBR train lead by Darrell Casto and Mark Laser.
Mark urged me ahead of him into the singletrack and gave up his position.
What a guy! I'm gonna have to work really hard for him next race!
Were
you strong from start to finish?
I was pretty fatigued after the fast start, but hit a rhythm about half
way through the race. Once the traffic cleared, it was a little easier
to carry momentum into the tougher sections which made the climbs a lot
easier.
When did you put the hammer down?
I found myself in third on a really tough climb, and just pushed as hard
as I could. I managed to stay on the bike and that gave me a little edge.
I gave it all I had about half way through the final lap and just hoped
I had enough gas in the tank to finish strong.
Did you have any
unusual problems?
Chain suck big time!!! Then I lost my number plate and jumped off the bike
to run back and retrieve it. What was I thinking?! I didn't even know
what my number was, and there were number plates all over the trail! I gave
up on the number plate, and tried to baby every shift the rest of the
race. The big ring was off limits, and shifts from the middle to granny were
touchy at best. Not fun!
Were you happy with the way the race
was run?
Yes. Big thanks to all involved. Great course, loved it!
Did you have
any interesting experiences during your race (exchanges with competitors/spectators)?
I missed the rider's meeting dealing with a mechanical issue. I had no idea
where the finish was, and kept asking people where it was. Everyone said "you're
close, just down there". I must have given all I had 3 or 4 times before
I saw the true finish area. Our up and coming junior racer, Taylor McClain
had made up a bunch of time and caught me just before the finish. We had
a thrilling finish and Taylor edged me by a nose at the line. That was
really fun, and the crowd was cheering our effort. That was truly memorable!
All the racers were excellent sportsmen/women.
Anything you would
like to add?
Fantastic course, great race. My first time to Granogue - I'll definitely
be back next year. Time for a new drive train! Loved the bridges and
the tunnel. Once again, the Santa Cruz Blur delivered in spades. Thanks Bushey's.
Watch our for Taylor!
Go Fish!