April 25, 2004 - INTERVIEW
Name: Tony Baldo
City: Laflin
State/Province: PA
Country: USA
Age: 33
Place: 1st
Category: Expert
Class or Age Group: 30-34, Senior II
Team: Upstate Velo-Sicklers
Race Bike: Cannondale Scalpel 4000
Tires: Hutchinson Mosquito Tubeless
Conditions: Wet and Muddy
Email: aebjmb@adelphia.net
How was your fitness level going into this race?
It has been up and down over the first few weeks of the season. Overall
I am pleased.
Were you happy with your position going into the
singletrack?
I was able to tuck into the middle of the pack at the start and was pretty
happy with my place when we hit the singletrack. Everyone seemed to keep
a good pace through the first section of rocks without any big bottlenecks.
Were
you strong from start to finish?
Not sure if strong is a good choice of words. I was consistent throughout
the race. The wet rocks and mud certainly wore me out.
When did
you put the hammer down?
I think I left the hammer at home today. I went out and finished at the
same pace. Whenever I tried to go harder, I felt myself getting sloppy.
Did
you have any unusual problems?
Nothing unexpected considering the conditions. A lot of chain suck and
skipping on the rear cassette.
Were you happy with the way the
race was run?
The course layout and markers were fantastic. Many thanks to all who sacrifice
their time to make this event among the best.
Did you have any
interesting experiences during your race (exchanges with competitors/spectators)?
Not really.
Anything you would like to add?
Thanks again to the directors, workers and promoters for taking the time
to make this happen. Thanks to Sickler's Bike shop and my mentor in cycling,
KP.