Andrew McDermott Race Interview - White Haven Challenge '01

My brain always thinks I should train harder but my body just doesn't seem to agree. I should have changed my tires after I did a morning warm up that got me into the single track. The 'Gator Golds would have been a LOT more comfortable on those greasy rocks.

Did you have any problems getting into the singletrack?

No problems getting into the singletrack. I was afraid the start was going to be an anaerobic sprint down the long flat road but sanity prevailed and I still had something left when we hit the woods.

How did you like the long climbs?

I raced at Mt. Snow last week so I was prepared for climbing. The much touted long climb at the end was gradual enough not to be noticed. I was chasing another racer when we got to the steep open field climb so I was well motivated on that one.

Were you strong from start to finish?

Despite my best efforts to stay hydrated and replenish electrolytes I started cramping at about mile 10.

Were you happy with the way the race was run?

Thanks to the organizers and Don Morrison for keeping to a familiar starting routine! Scoring was quick and accurate but the raffle and awards dragged out. Tired, hungry racers don't have much patience. Thanks to the promoters for an excellent raffle table.

When did you put the hammer down?

My tire selection for this race was unfortunate. The technical sections were damp enough that the Mythos tires were about as good as greased slicks in the woods. Consequently I was rather slow in the single track. When we got to the steep open field climb I put the hammer down to catch a fellow in front of me. I went as hard as I possibly could on the open trail and road sections that followed.

Did you have any unusual problems?

As noted above despite carrying extra water and sport drink I started cramping at about mile 10.

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

This race was FULL of interesting experiences! Just after we hit the singletrack I crashed on top of my teammate John Thompson and just about put my foot through his wheel. Sorry John! (Note that John jumped back up and VANISHED down the trail!) I also wish to again apologize to the rider that took exception to my passing him by declaring "That wasn't nice!" I'm afraid I crowded him a bit. I didn't shove him but it was close. I can't seem to help it, the voices in my head just keep saying "Go, go, go!" About one mile before getting out of the woods I screwed up yet another technical section and had to dab a foot down. Unclipping and dabbing triggered full blown howling cramping in my left calf. I fell to the trail in embarrassment and tried to drag body and bike off the trail. To my amazement a lovely young woman appeared, took pity on my sorry situation and said to me, "May I massage that for you?" I nodded dumbly, uh-huh. Within moments the cramping subsided. I jumped up declaring that I had to get going lest I fall into the clutches of competitors close behind. Marc Vettori suggests that perhaps I bumped my head when I fell down.

Do you enjoy point to point races more than lap races?

Lap races and point to point are like apples and oranges. I like both but they are each a much different experience.