Winter arrives in the Rockies

Conditions finally delivered across the Rockies this past weekend with arctic conditions prevailing in Boulder and a proper dose of the cold, rain and snow in Utah. After a night of mixed precipitation and the season's first full dip into freezing temps, the Utah State Champs course at the Mt. Ogden Golf Park was in prime condition. Grassy areas developed a well worn center track and the leafy paths and singletrack sections were greasy and muddy by mid-afternoon when the Men's race started under clear skies.

Here's the play by play from Josh, who finished 2nd on the day to mountain bike ace and Sho-Air Cannondale pro Alex Grant:

From the gun, I made my way up to a front group of 8 riders, and after the second lap we had stretched a good gap on the rest of the field. The course was actually really good, featuring a mix of grassy off cambers, and a few fast descents, a big high step barrier and two steep and divisive climbs followed by some tight singletrack that featured that elusive Belgian-like mud. Still fairly tame by Colorado standards but every now and then the courses here in Utah surprise, delight and challenge, and this was definitely one of them.

By the 3rd lap, two riders were off the front and I began to pick my way up through the 3 riders that were each 5-10 seconds up the course. Power was in the legs and I was super motivated, and was able to latch on to their wheels, sit in through the fast sections or where there was a headwind and then attack, using the climb as a way to bridge to the next rider. With 4 laps to go, I was in a solid battle for the last step on the podium, trading pulls to distance ourselves from the 2 chasers while also trying to catch 2nd place. We both put in some digs but were glued to each other. Then as we hit 3 to go, I saw the two chasers were within seconds of catching us so I gave a desperate attack and suddenly was alone. The timing was perfect, the two chasers were at their limit to catch back on, and had no ability to double dig. With 2 to go I had a 10 second gap and began thinking about whether I could make a run for 2nd place, as he seemed to be fading as I was gaining. Sure enough through the barriers on the last lap I'd caught up and then used the steepest hill to my advantage and completely buried myself nearly fading to black. A few fast and loose corners, staying steady and collected and I surprised the announcers and folks cheering us on to the finish. One hand in the air for a brief salute and a big, deep, cold breath of satisfaction.

Stay tuned for a report from the snow & ice battle at the Boulder Reservoir where Spencer took 2nd to flying young gun Gage Hecht, Ken rounded out the podium and on the ladies side Melissa led our team with a 4th place finish.