Event: Spring Mountain Challenge

Name: Kristin May

City: Schwenksville

State/Province: PA

Country: USA

Age: 23

Place: 1st

Category: Beginner

CLASS +/or Age group: Women 34 & Under

Team: Tailwind

XC Race Bike: Cannondale F900

Tires: Yup

Conditions: Fast

How was your fitness level going into this race?

Pretty good. I was able to train a little more than my usual half hour a week. This was my home course, so I really wanted to win this one.

Were you happy with your position going into the singletrack?

Yes. I wanted to be first going into the singletrack, and I was. Since I knew the course so well, I wanted to go in first so I wouldn't get held up on the technical sections.

Were you strong from start to finish?

For the most part, yes. Toward the end I was hurting quite a bit. Jill was on my wheel for most of the race, and I had to be strong the entire time to keep ahead of her.

When did you put the hammer down?

On the final climb. I usually don't put the hammer down, but I had to this race. Jill passed me in the last technical section before the final climb. On the climb, I was really pushing it but Jill was still ahead. So I shifted up and really cranked it up the hill past her, and I flew down the hill to make sure she couldn't pass me at the finish. The race was super close. I never hurt so bad after a race!

Did you have any unusual problems?

The week before the race I discovered a hole in my rear tire. The only other tire I had was a semi-slick. So that's what I had to race on. It didn't seem to hurt my race, but I didn't have complete confidence with it going into the race.

Were you happy with the way the race was run?

Yes.

Did you have any interesting experiences during your race (exchanges with competitors/spectators)?

On my second lap going up the hike-a-bike switchbacks, I was hiking up behind a guy who talked to me the WHOLE way up. I was too out of breath to really listen or respond to anything he was saying. Toward the top he said something about me not being a real big talker. That guy should try to push it a little harder next time!

Anything you would like to add?

I want to thank my husband Bob and my family for coming out to support me. I also want to thank Jac and everyone else at Tailwind for making this season so much fun! Tailwind rocks!!