Doing race support for the U of A team at the Collegiate MTB Nationals made for a great extended weekend in Banner Elk, North Carolina. I made the travels to the race with Chloe and we soon met up with Brian, Kyle, Alex and Evan for the event. Just two years ago I was racing, but now it was ’support staff’ that summarizes how my energy was spent. With muddy conditions I was able to help the racers quite a bit with numerous bike washes and repairs in the three days of racing. All five riders got through the weekend without a single mechanical difficulty. Given the conditions and the history of some of these riders (Brian) with equipment, and this was a huge success in and of itself. I even got to loan my shoes out to Dallas who came down from Wisconsin with only his road shoes. With the muddy conditions, the shoes likely helped a sizable amount. There was never an idle moment between doing bottle feeds, collecting warm ups, taking photos, or doing repairs, but I wouldn’t of had it any other way. It was awesome to see everyone compete to their personal best and enjoy every moment of it. Once in awhile its fun to heckle from the sideline, but I will admit that I’d still rather be on the receiving end of the crowd noise… I’m happy to have been a part of the U of A team for a great weekend. Chloe did awesome to win the XC and also the Omnium. Her 10th place in the Dual Slalom may have been her most impressive performance – on the carbon hardtail using skills that a majority of the field was left to envy. I’ll leave you with some photos from the weekend. Enjoy,
Chloe led start to finish in the wet xc.
Brian was Chloe’s biggest Super Fan -even sporting a Luna sock.
Victory.
Evan tearing up the STXC.
Kyle learning the ways of the mud.
Alex got off to a perfect start in the STXC.
Brian was warping the camera lens in the STXC.
Tim did NAU proud with some podium time.
Chloe showing the dual slalom girls whats up with her xc setup.
The Team.
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