Event: Race for Chocolate

Name: Caitlyn Tuel

City: Lyndell

State/Province: Pa

Country: US

Age: 16

Place: 2nd

Category: Expert

CLASS +/or Age group: Women 34 and under

Team: Shirk's Bike Shop

XC Race Bike: K2 full suspension

Tires: Panaracer

Conditions: really muddy and slick

Email: btuel@aol.com

How was your fitness level going into this race?

Good, I've been training really hard and it seems to be paying off.

Were you happy with your position going into the singletrack?

Yes, I was first going into the singletrack. Since they cut the laps to just two I knew I had to get up that hill fast so I wouldn't get stuck behind.

Were you strong from start to finish?

Yeah, I felt really good because I was expecting three laps so the two was a treat considering the conditions.

When did you put the hammer down?

On the hills. As I said before I wanted to get up those hills fast to get a little bit of a lead from the other girls.

Did you have any unusual problems?

No amazingly enough. I don't see how my bike still moves with all those layers of dirt that got on it.

Were you happy with the way the race was run?

Yes, the results were up quickly and the start was well separated. I didn't really come across any other Expert riders except a few here and there.

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

Nope, nothing interesting this time.

Anything you would like to add?

Thanks to everybody that cheered me on, my team mates and friends and family. Also to Team Harrisburg for running a great race!