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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 #7 - Snowmass, Colorado, August 5-8, 2004
Day 4: Real drama, real food
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Absolutely no threat of rain for day four at Snowmass. The Super D stared the day off with some interesting additions in the Pro category. The field included some DH pros, some XC pros and the series leaders. In the end Billy Holmes' (Intense) attempt to keep this event a secret was a bust as he got fifth on the day. However, as planned, Holmes took the series lead with his fifth place finish on the day. Barry Wicks (Kona) used the goggles to get his first podium in his first Super D race, fourth on the day. Watch for a huge field in Durango. Super D, a little uphill and a lot downhill and a really bright future. This race is going to have to move to a better spot in the race weekend, as it quickly attracts a really diverse pro field.
The day quickly transitioned in to the STXC event. First up was the women's field. Greg 'Chopper' Randolph was seen mounting the announcers stand, then it was all 'off the hook' from there. This guy comes up with some of the craziest stuff, then you hand him a microphone and look out.
Men's STXC held the real drama. First up, Adam Craig of Giant lines up on rigid single speed bike with a kinda large gear. Then he goes out and leads part of the race, ends up finishing third. Amazing for only one gear on a hilly course. Geoff Kabush of Maxxis had the day he had wished he had yesterday, stomps the front, and rides away from the field. He even has time to dismount and take a bow at the finish line. This guy is going really well right now. Todd Wells (Hyundai/GT) had another excellent outing, surviving a less than perfect start to charge up to second by the end. This is the best weekend he has ever had at a NORBA; he proved that the form is there at the right time for the Olympics.
Lots of people were hanging out in the Shimano tent during the STXC, due to the shade it provided right next to the start/finish line. Chris Sheppard (Haro) hooked us up with a DVD copy of the 'Trailer Park Boys' series from Canada. It was hilarious to watch later that night. Lost of riders brought by baked goods this weekend, so much so that we had to ask them to autograph the items with a Sharpie so we could remember who brought what. Good eating in the Shimano tent for sure.
One group of female racers that always spends lots of time in our tent is the Ford team. These women travel without a team mechanic, yet produce some of the top results on the circuit. On top of that, they are super nice people. Dara Marks-Marino baked us some bread this weekend, Sarah Bresnick entertained us with her newly acquired skinsuit and Lisa Matlock provided me personally with plenty of bike work to do. I like joking with Lisa about the number of small things that she complains about on her bike. Fortunately, she has a really good sense of humor to go along with her solid riding skills. All three of these women deserve a shot on the bigger teams; they bring positive professionalism to women's racing.
Snowmass is a great venue for MTB racing, I look forward to returning here again. 9000ft+ again in a couple of weeks in Durango. We are planning on doing an 'Ask the Pro Mechanic' session with all the Shimano guys and some of the team mechanics in Durango for the finals. Kinda an informal session where anyone can come ask questions and hear funny stories for some of the best and most experienced mechanics in the business. Right now we are shooting for the Friday afternoon at the Durango race. I will get more details to Cyclingnews.com as soon as I can. We look forward to seeing you there. Until then, thanks for reading,
CD
Photography
Images by Chris Davidson
- Adam Craig (Giant) chose a single speed bike for the STXC. It had a 40x16 gear and despite the up and down course, it was good for third place.
- Travis Brown (Trek/VW) went back to the hardtail for the STXC.
- The Shimano tent was situated right at the start/finish, prompting lots of loitering.
- Nick Waite (U-23 National Team) waits for the start of the STXC. This guy is really reserved and friendly off the bike, but look out when the gun goes off.
- Warning, high maintenance rider! Lisa Matlock of Ford.
- 1996 Olympic Bronze medalist Susan Weins with her three future stars of MTB racing.
- "Pin it to win it!" is how Greg 'Chopper' Randolph describes the STXC.
- Don't laugh - Barry Wicks (Kona) used the goggles to get on the podium in the Super D.
- Sarah Bresnick (Ford) lines up for the STXC. She really digs the new skinsuit.
- Ariel Lindsey used a Klein/Maverick with a single big ring in the front.