Event: Escape from Granogue

Name: Matt Vahey

City: Wilmington

State/Province: DE

Country: US

Age: 30

Place: 1st

Category: Beginner

CLASS +/or Age group: Senior II Men

Team: Delaware Cardiovascular

XC Race Bike: Trek 8500

Tires: Conti. Explorer Pro

Conditions: Muddy / Humid & Hot

Email: Nextlevelfitness@aol.com

How was your fitness level going into this race?

On every hill climb I kept telling my self I should be doing more road riding.

Were you happy with your position going into the singletrack?

Yes, after the sprint up the hill, I was able to get out of the confusion on the first part of the single track.

Were you strong from start to finish?

I was feeling it a bit on the last hill climb, the "WALL."

When did you put the hammer down?

In the woods on the two climbs, but I pretty much was at 100% from the start.

Did you have any unusual problems?

No, the past few races I was having chain problems, I broke two in three weeks. The guys at BikeLine on the Concord Pike fixed me up, and so far no more problems.

Were you happy with the way the race was run?

Yes, the course was well laid out, and I loved the climbs.

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

No, everyone was friendly as always, even on the starting line.

Anything you would like to add?

Looking forward to Iron Hill, hopefully it will be DRY.