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The Chris Davidson diary
Chris Davidson is a former mechanic for Bontrager Racing Service, now in the service of Shimano Multi-Service.
Chris' diary entries will show you what life is like inside the pits and an insight into the mind of a mechanic.
NORBA National Series #4 - Mount Snow Resort, Vermont, June 17-20, 2004
Rowney's last stand
Day 4 - June 20
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Sunny skies, colder temperatures and brisk winds characterized day four in Vermont. The drama of the previous day was heightened by the coming STXC and DH events on the schedule for today.
The STXC course has a couple of short climbs and quick descents, combined with a long start/finish straight into the headwind. The course snaked around the base of the mountain offering plenty of excellent chances to watch almost the entire track. Much more 'off-road' than Sonoma. I did the expert race in the morning on my dual suspension, using the fork lockout on the flats and short climbs, with tire pressures in the 50s.
The drama of the day in the women's field came in the form of constant attacks from the front group. Up front, RLX, LUNA and Fisher kept it hard, with the real breakthrough coming when Alison Sydor detonated the front with an attack with two laps to go. Only one Fisher rider could match Sydor's acceleration, but in the end Sydor would cross the line with arms aloft. Big props go to Trish Sinclair (GEARS Racing) who was not on the start list, staged dead last, and passed the entire field in the first 12 minutes to make it to the front eight riders. Eventually she would succumb to the pace at the front, but her charge forward was impressive.
In the men's race there were two stories in play. The first and most noteworthy was the celebration of Paul Rowney's (Yeti) last race. Rowney has been a tough competitor for a long time on the NORBA circuit and has earned a great deal of respect over the years. Great bloke, and lately the results have been real solid. Today was his retirement and he was called up to the front row to note that fact. No better way to go out than on top and Rowney was charging all day. He made the front group of eight and led the race at times. In the front group with him was his teammate, the much younger Trent Lowe. Together these two kept playing the cards in hopes of finding the right combo. In the end it was Rowney's attack, taking Geoff Kabush with him, that set the final result. The mountain went berserk as Rowney came clean for the victory; even Kabush gave the acknowledgement as Rowney crossed the finish line. The Yeti/Aussie duo of Rowney and Lowe were not the only Oz representation in the front. Brent Miller (Intense) continues to show his great form and growing talent by making the front group and took sixth place. Speaking to him after the race, he wanted more from himself. This guy is destined to be appearing on a podium near you soon.
The second story in the men's pro race was less of a big splash. A late race entry in the men's field was none other than former Olympian and big-time hammer, Greg 'Chopper' Randolph (Smith Optics). Homeboy had hair on his legs, baggy shorts and the handlebar moustache, but you can't knock the engine, this guy is a bone crusher. This guy is the real deal anytime he throws a leg over a top tube, and now he is competing again in STXC just for the enjoyment. Chopper made it 13 minutes into the event, which is incredible considering he has a full-time job that includes working feedzones on weekends. America in general, and bike racing more specifically, needs more guys like this.
DH story of the day was Kathy Pruitt (Luna), who crushed the women's field by a huge margin. Young, strong, super fast and cooler than a cucumber, her skills are solid. Big Ups KP.
All told, Mt. Snow provides one of the best venues for watching/enjoying mountain bike racing in the US. Certainly the crowds were the biggest of any NORBA yet this year. Next up is some travel miles as the competition heads to Canada to determine the final selections for Olympic teams both here and north of the border. I will be back in the NORBA scene when we reconvene at Schweitzer Mountain in Idaho. Next up for me is a talent identification camp for U-26 Women at the Olympic Training center in Colorado Springs. More from the road soon, until then thanks for reading.
CD