Team: None

Category/Class: Beginner Men Master II 50+

Place: 1st Place

Email: Ken.Fretz@Astrazeneca.com

What was your favorite Super Series race for 2001 and why?

Fair Hill. I got to pre-ride most of the course earlier in the week and I was just ready to race. I really liked the fast course and the weather was great. I must add that I liked every race but Fell Mountain and Spring Mountain beat me up the most!

Pretend you are coaching your closest competitor........ what would you tell them to do differently in 2002 in order to beat you?

That's easy! My closest competitor was John Fuchs and all he needs to do is keep doing what he was doing. Every race from the beginning he got closer and better and by the 7th race he was beating me. I'm just lucky I had won so many races early in the season so I just needed to finish in the top 3 or so to win the series. I know John was riding better than I in the last 3 races. So...I would say he just has to stay in shape and train like he was and I'll have to work hard to be competitive in sport next year!

What is it about mtb racing (BESIDES WINNING) that is MOST fun for you?

I met so many great people this year that enjoy the same things I do and I got to see so many great places to ride. Without this series I would probably never have ridden outside Delaware. Now I plan to ride all over the tristate area and have so many new great friends to ride with. It was just the best thing I've done.

What month do you plan on coming into fitness for the 2002 season?

I enjoy mountain biking in the winter and since I am primarily a runner I will train all winter because I race all year around. Possibly I'll back off a little in December but my running season ends Nov. 18th with a local triathlon called the Vertical Challenge and starts New Years Eve with the Race for Time.

What month do you start your pre-season training?

I guess I'd have to say January 2002.

How do you deal with riding in the winter conditions (cold, snow, ice, lack of daylight)?

I always enjoyed running in cold weather so it seems normal to ride as long as the snow is not too deep. Then I just get the skis out and go cross-country on them. I don't have lights so I have not tried night riding, but I'm interested!

What are your goals for the 2002 season?

Well, I will definitely move to sport class and after getting to know and watch these guys ride, my goals are just to be mid pack competitive next year while I try to improve my technical skills and endurance.

If there was just ONE thing that you would like to see improved for next year (2002) - what would it be?

Since this was my first year, and only mtn bike racing I've ever done I'm not sure how other series are run but I think this was as well organized and run as I would ever have expected so I have no suggestions to improve it. The only thing I could think of is offering clinics on off weekends at pre-ride sites where experts share technical tips on courses. I'd pay to attend events like that.