Series: Mountain States Cup
Distance: XC lap race (2 hours)
Result: 5 Pro Men Category
Race Link: http://www.cyclecyndicate.com/
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Angel Fire ski village, at an altitude of 8600ft, provided an icy welcome to the mountain bikers on saturday. With about 4000ft of climbing over the race, it was a real lung burning experience.
"DUFF" is how Daniel, one of the local riders, described the trail conditions - this virgin course was very tough and definitely worthy of hosting a World Cup race later this season. Climbing up rock gardens and loose 'duff', ground beneath the trees made for relentless climbs zig zagging over and over the ski piste slopes. The descents were overboard technical, rock gardens, and tight off camber single track abounded as the course wound its way down the mountainside testing everyone's technical abilities. By the end of the day, good berms were forming on the track and lines were forming through the rocky sections making most of the course rideable. Its going to be a very interesting World Cup!
Ned Overend took overall honours in the PRO category on his full suspension S-Works carbon prototype bike - the top 4 riders were all on full suspension bikes. The last lap was eventful - continual chainsuck forced me to stop repeatedly to pull the chain from the frame losing valuable time in the process. As i summited the course, a Team Dean rider was hot on my tail , we were pushing the envelope and he eventually took a fall trying to get past one of the slow riders allowing me to get away. Very exciting racing!
