May 23, 2004 - INTERVIEW
Name: Chris Eatough
City: Ellicott City
State/Province: MD
Country: USA
Age: 29
Place: 1st
Category: Pro
Class or Age Group: Senior
Team: Trek/VW
Race Bike: Trek Fuel 100
Tires: Bontrager Tubeless
Conditions: Hot, Humid, Dry, Fast
How was your fitness level going into this race?
Good. There has been lots of quality racing this Spring in the Mid Atlantic.
I have pollen allergies that hold me back a bit this time of year, but
otherwise I am fit and healthy.
Were you happy with your position going into the singletrack?
Yes, there wasn't too much of a fight for the lead, so I took on the responsibility.
Were you strong from start to finish?
I rode steady the whole race. My lap times slowed a bit each time, which
was probably due to the heat.
When did you put the hammer down?
Todd Helmick was riding with me until the second lap when I got a gap.
I kept it smooth and steady to stay solo from there, although Todd was
always in sight, just 30 seconds or so back.
Did you have any unusual problems?
The road crossings. I stopped twice for traffic.
Were you happy with the way the race was run?
Yes, this was my first time at French Creek, and it's a great park for
mountain bike riding. The start area was difficult to find though. How
about some improved directions, signs and arrows?
Did you have any interesting experiences during your race (exchanges
with competitors/spectators)?
Thanks to Brian Tuel for the water bottle hand offs half way around the lap.
Anything you would like to add?
Thanks to the Trek support crew:
Poz: team manager
Steve: mechanic
Jonnie: massage
Allison, Nicole, and Brian: general help and support