MotionBased Podium Sweep at Spring Thaw
Published by Olivier Bock May 8th, 2007 in General
This year's Spring Thaw XC race in Ashland, OR was raced on a new course and also produced the State Champion. Conditions were cold but clear and although snow had fallen in the days before, temperatures were to be in the 60's.
The Spring Thaw is an athlete's MTB race: an hour climb (roughly), followed by rolling terrain and flats, mostly on non-technical fireroad, meant that superior fitness would have the advantage.
When 220 racers let loose at the gun, a lead pack immediately formed. Ahead of those guys were Evan (Capitol Subaru) and Dave (Garmin/Jamis), as well as Rene Townsend, last year's winner (and roadie). Those three guys took turns hammering each other until Evan took off on the singletrack portion of the climb, leaving Dave to conserve his energy while Rene proceeded to blow up (he eventually ended up 21st). Lurking behind was Ben Thomson (BendElite), who was here to defend his State Champion status from 2006.
Others were in the mix too. While Mark Weir (WTB) muscled his Nomad up the climb, a different sort of rider was making good time, it was Mark's teammate and local racer Nathan Riddle. Riddle was racing on his "townie" with fenders, skinny tires, sneakers, and a cup holder on the bars... and he was Ripping. Although Nathan flatted on the descent (where I watched him launch through the rock gardens), he came back the next day to win the DH.
After 3/4 of the race had gone by, riders funneled in to what is some of the best singletrack imaginable. It was here that Ben caught Dave to claim the second spot on the podium. Evan was still 3 minutes ahead and even on his fully rigid bike he wasn't going to lose this race.
As usual at a mountain bike race, the competitors left their aggression on the race course and hung out like good friends before taking their respective places on the main stage.. It was a day to talk about events and bask in the sun on the grass after a good hard effort.
Results for the XC and DH.
Thanks to our many sponsors, friends and fans! We'll see you at the next event!
When 220 racers let loose at the gun, a lead pack immediately formed. Ahead of those guys were Evan (Capitol Subaru) and Dave (Garmin/Jamis), as well as Rene Townsend, last year's winner (and roadie). Those three guys took turns hammering each other until Evan took off on the singletrack portion of the climb, leaving Dave to conserve his energy while Rene proceeded to blow up (he eventually ended up 21st). Lurking behind was Ben Thomson (BendElite), who was here to defend his State Champion status from 2006.
Others were in the mix too. While Mark Weir (WTB) muscled his Nomad up the climb, a different sort of rider was making good time, it was Mark's teammate and local racer Nathan Riddle. Riddle was racing on his "townie" with fenders, skinny tires, sneakers, and a cup holder on the bars... and he was Ripping. Although Nathan flatted on the descent (where I watched him launch through the rock gardens), he came back the next day to win the DH.
After 3/4 of the race had gone by, riders funneled in to what is some of the best singletrack imaginable. It was here that Ben caught Dave to claim the second spot on the podium. Evan was still 3 minutes ahead and even on his fully rigid bike he wasn't going to lose this race.
As usual at a mountain bike race, the competitors left their aggression on the race course and hung out like good friends before taking their respective places on the main stage.. It was a day to talk about events and bask in the sun on the grass after a good hard effort.
Results for the XC and DH.
Thanks to our many sponsors, friends and fans! We'll see you at the next event!
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