Thursday, June 12, 2003 - Sunday, June 15, 2003 -- Snowshoe, WV
NORBA National Series #2 - Snowshoe (iPO Event Id#: 5720)
Photos by Dana Harshberger

[Details] [Coverage] [Pic Set 1] [Pic Set 2] [Pic Set 3]
[2001 Coverage] [2002 Coverage]

Whatever the weather, ready to race at Snowshoe

Report from Chrissy Redden

June 14, 15 2003 - Snowshoe, WV

Day One: Cross-country

Take: Technical course + Two-10mile loops + Lots of rain in the proceeding weeks + Thunderstorms and constant rain all day friday = Excellent conditions for the Subaru/Gary Fisher Team!!

The Proof:

Ryder Hesjedal         1st Men's Cross Country 
Chrissy Redden         2nd Women's Cross Country
Mary Grigson           5th Women's Cross Country
Walker Ferguson        9th Men's Cross Country

The Story: Due to my bad placing at the previous NORBA race in Big Bear, I started on the third row today. I knew I had to have an incredible start, as we dipped into the most technical descent of the course within a couple minutes.

I enter the first downhill in 3rd. There was slipping, and general chaos, as there was no real line and the fastest option was stay on the bike and hope for no trees getting in the way.

We entered the bottom single track with Sue Haywood (Trek/VW) with a good lead over Katrina Hanusova (Luna) and Willow Koerber (RLX). I was close behind.

After that bit of single track I had closed the gap to 2nd and 3rd, passed them, then had my sights on Sue. After a short steep climb, we entered a boggy 1 mile wood section. This section was rideable when I had pre-rode, so obviously I tried riding, but I ended up running/riding/fumbling.

About midway thru this section, Katrina ran by me, followed by Alison Dunlap (Luna). This was frustrating. Next, Jimena Florit (RLX) passed me, so I started running, only. This was good enough to exit that section in 5th. We finished off lap one in this order.

By the bottom of the descent the order had changed as Alison crashed and pulled out and Jimena passed Katrina to take the lead. By the time we hit the bog section again, I had bridged up to Sue, passed her and started catching up to Katrina. I bridge, then passed Katrina in the final 2 miles. The final results were:

1st   Jimena Florit        RLX
2nd   Chrissy Redden       Subaru/Gary Fisher
3rd   Katrina Hanusova     Luna
4th   Sue Haywood          Trek/VW  and  West Virginia Tourism
5th   Mary Grigson         Subaru/Gary Fisher
...
6th   Trish Sinclair       Gears Racing
9th   Melanie  McQuaid     Ford Outfitters
 (gotta list my training partners....!!)

Day 2:

Sue Haywood was at home in West Virginia

Again, lots of rain! It rained constant from 10am to 3pm!! The short track held up as the finishing straight was asphalt and the back section was gravel. Only a small off-camber grass section.

I felt confident after pre-riding because this was the same course as in 2001... I won that!

The race started fast and a group of about 12 formed at the front. Jimena got crashed out in the first lap so she lost quite a bit of time, basically putting her out of contention.

The race stayed steady with attacks from Melanie McQuaid, Trish Sinclair, myself and Dara Marks (SOBE Headshocks). Sue was playing it smart, staying out of the wind, whereas I liked the front because there was less mud spraying in the eyes!

We were down to a tight and motivated group of 7 with 3 laps to go. Dara took a huge attack, but Sue and I were right there... waiting... then Sue went with 2 to go.

I knew I should have went, but Sue just went first. I quickly got on Sue's wheel. I attacked hard to get around her on the final lap, but she was too strong. I then attempted another pass on the downhill, but again, she was ready and too motivated for the win in her home state.

My only chance now was to take her on the line and although I knew this would be near impossible on a 25-meter stretch, I knew I had to try.

We went into the final 180-deg. corner almost together, she went wide, I went tight. She fumbled, just for a millisecond, with her gears. This was enough for me to sneak by the inside and take the lead.

I push with every fiber in my legs to hold her off for the win. And, I won. What a great feeling to have been 2nd yesterday and 1st today. I'm psyched for the next two weekends in Mt. Snow, Vermont and my favourite course, Mt. St. Anne, Quebec!

Results:

1st   Chrissy Redden     Subaru/Gary Fisher
2nd   Sue Haywood        Trek/VW    
3rd   Katrina Hanusova   Luna
4th   Mary McConnoloug   Seven Cycles
5th   Melanie McQuaid    Ford Outfitters

There were a few behind the scenes people that helped my motivation and preparation for this weekend. They are HepC and the E-Town boys, helping me to adhere to my strict diet while training in Victoria. Marnie McBean for sharing a special motivational Barcelona Olympic story. My team-mate Ryder for entertaining me during our epic 13-hour travel day. Our team mechanic Ian for dealing with our grossly muddy bikes... everyday! Our team soigneur Judy for saving my legs!

And, of course, all my amazing sponsors!! Check out my website for all their details!! www.chrissyredden.com