Event: No Cents Summer Sizzler

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

Conditions: fast! dry and hot

Email: ko_22@yahoo.com

How was your fitness level going into this race?

I've been doing some heavy training the last few weeks getting ready for Snowshoe, so I was kind of fatigued going into this race. My legs held up pretty well though.

Were you happy with your position going into the singletrack?

Yes, I was first.

Were you strong from start to finish?

I think so. I felt pretty good.

When did you put the hammer down?

Probably the 1st lap and the last. I was trying to get Thais off my wheel the first lap, but she was hanging in there really well. I think I just gradually pulled away. I pushed it as hard as I could the last lap (didn't want Karen Henry catching me!)

Did you have any unusual problems?

No, luckily. Although I scared myself a few times. You just didn't know where the course was going to turn next and it was so fast--I almost hit trees numerous times. My bike handled really well through that tight twisty stuff though. It was fun!

Were you happy with the way the race was run?

Yes, everything seemed to go smoothly. I didn't mind the start delay because that gave me time to ride the course. Awards were quick, so quick I almost missed them.

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

It was really cool to have people crowding the course and ringing their cowbells at that one little uphill towards the end. I knew I was almost finished with a lap when I heard the bells. I caught some air on another part of the course that kind of took me by surprise. Luckily I didn't endo but I probably gave some spectators a show and gave myself a real scare. I had been really pushing the pace but slowed down some after that!

Anything you would like to add?

Thanks to the race promoters and series promoters for another great event! Thanks to the Kuhns for feeding us all day. And thanks to Trek and all our sponsors for great support!