Event: Fell Mountain

Name: Kristine Oesterling

City: Bellefonte

State/Province: PA

Country: USA

Age: 27

Place: 1st

Category: Pro

CLASS +/or Age group: Women Expert 34 & Under

Team: Trek East Coast Factory

XC Race Bike: Trek Fuel 100

Tires: Bontrager Jones AC

Conditions: muddy, slippery, rooty, hot!

Email: ko_22@yahoo.com

How was your fitness level going into this race?

It's getting there. I was very fatigued going into the race because I am finally at the end of a hard 4 week block. I just had to make it through the race and now I get to rest, thank goodness!

Were you happy with your position going into the singletrack?

No. It's always best to be 1st and I was about 3rd. Then I bobbled and let more people pass me. I wasn't feeling very aggressive.

Were you strong from start to finish?

I was definitely much stronger the 2nd lap (we did 2 laps). We were late getting to the race so I didn't get any warm-up. It took my body, and legs especially, the whole first lap to warm up. Then I was finally able to ride the technical stuff and go really hard.

When did you put the hammer down?

The last lap. It was a very interesting race. The other women are all riding so well especially on the technical parts. Thais was close the whole first lap, Teresa and Karen Henry were in front of me. I was finally able to pull away from Teresa gradually at the start of the 2nd lap and then caught Karen who was motoring her way through the course. I can't really say I ever felt good during the race, but I was able to make my legs go much harder once they warmed up.

Did you have any unusual problems?

I had a scary wreck about 2 miles from the finish. I guess I hit a rock and flew over the handlebars. I didn't really have time to put my arms out to catch myself and I landed with my face about 2 inches away from a cluster of rocks. I came so close to face planting into them! It was like something put its hand there between my face and the rocks and caught me. I always say a little prayer for protection when I ride for moments like that.

Were you happy with the way the race was run?

Yes, I thought it went well. I prefer a later start time because I don't like to get up early. The raffle was great, and I liked the wood trophies!

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

I turned around at the start line to see who all was there and one of my competitors was a girl who recently moved to my area and just started working in the same department that I do at Penn State! Small world.

Anything you would like to add?

I'm grateful for... Don Morrison's and Bill Deputy's work on the series, the race promoters for a great event, Mike for driving and letting me sleep on the way to the race, cheering spectators, good Mexican food with a view on the way home, and all the Trek team sponsors!