Phew, it was hot this weekend. In the 90s with just about 90 percent humidity. Steep climbs with no shade and hardly any clouds. You know it's hot when you feel the thump in your head and you start to feel cool when you're dripping sweat and beat red.
The XC went pretty well, wound up 3rd, was off in a lead group of 3 with Sid and Max for part of the race. Was off solo by about 10 seconds for the 4th of 6 laps. It doesn't matter how easy I go in the beginning, I always blow up at the end. The race was only 1:40 too. Jeez.
The first lap only took 16 minutes, the course was really cool with tons of bridges, fast, rocky descents and some gradual climbing.
I wrapped up the series overall for the short track this weekend, first time I've ever won it. I didn't have a very good STXC today, took it easy to make sure I didn't blow up and hoped to be able to nail it at the end. I tried to hit it on the last lap but didn't have any bunch and got popped out of the group. Settled for sixth but it was enough for the series.
I'm so tired of hearing all this banter about the marathon race in Colorado this weekend that none of the top guys even did. A guy who retired 10 years ago has won it for the past however many years. Not to take anything away from Wiens, he was a great rider when he was competing in the early 90s, too bad he didn't get to win his local race again this year.
I am looking forward to getting back to Colorado tomorrow and drying out. I think my shoes have been growing moss since I left, not to mention my chamois.
I wonder what Winstons' doing right now....
I hear you about Leadville. Although....all the "top guys" knew that that race would get more attention than the whole Kenda Cup series, which nobody cares about(feel free to thank USA Cycling for that), for over a year. Said "top guys" could have easily registered ahead of time to beat Mr Doper-Extraordinaire. I’m sure Specialized would have been much happier with you winning Leadville over some Kenda Cup race. I’m basing this on the fact the Mike Sinyard was actually there...that is, in Leadville, not in NY. This is the US. The media loves Armstrong. You want the recognition, knock him off his little pedestal. As it stands now, more people probably know of Dave Wiens than Todd Wells and JHK combined. It does suck that that’s the way it is, but that’s the way it is.
Posted by: packfill | August 18, 2009 at 10:03 AM
Having been a former racer, I hear you on the frustration on the amount of press that L-ville gets. Here you are busting your ass at the top level and achieving but without nearly the same attention.
However, some time away from the sport makes me realize why it is a compelling story for the general public. 1) Armstrong - no explanation needed. 2) Last year you had an older guy unknown to everyone (outside the sport) beating The Best Rider Ever. 3) It's in the scenic Colorado rockies and it's 100 miles, two attributes that make it appreciable as a tough race by the masses.
I don't think Armstrong would do a NORBA or WC MTB race. Wouldn't win and wouldn't get the press. Since Armstrong won't go to the mountain, perhaps the mountain has to go Armstrong. One of you guys could take him on at Leadville - beating him right after the Tour would be press-worthy coup. Not sure if Leadville is technical enough, however, and would probably mean some kind of disruption to your normal racing schedule.
I think ultimately the attention that mountain biking in general gets from all the press attention to Leadville is a good thing. Sells more bikes and gets more people interested in the sport, which IMO helps put food on your table.
Anyway, keep having fun out there. You're living the dream.
Posted by: dave king | August 17, 2009 at 06:51 PM