May 23, 2004 - INTERVIEW
Name: Todd Helmick
City: Newport News
State/Province: VA
Country: USA
Age: 29
Place: 2nd
Category: Pro
Class or Age Group: senior I 19-34
Team: TREK/VW EastCoastFactoryTeam
Race Bike: FUEL 100
Tires: Bontrager Tubless
Conditions: Hot,Humid,Fun!!!
Email: tandnhelmick@cox.net
How was your fitness level going into this race?
Getting better........trying to ramp up for Snowshow NCS so I have been
putting in some good training the past 2 weeks.
Were you happy with your position going into the singletrack?
Yes, I was 2nd. I felt it was crucial to make it to the technical bridge
crossing top 3 to avoid a pile up.
Were you strong from start to finish?
Yes, only had 1 dab that caused me to loose touch with Chris Eatough's
wheel and wasn't able to regain the time back
When did you put the hammer down?
Didn't really feel I ever did, just kept smooth and steady the entire race.
I wanted to make sure I rode smart due to the extreme hot/humid conditions,
which didn't seem too big of a problem.
Did you have any unusual problems?
Only the one wrong turn that I took at the very end of the race. I had
been on Chris' wheel the previous laps and not had to pay attention, so
when I lost contact I ended up missing one turn but it only cost a few
second and didn't affect the race outcome.
Were you happy with the way the race was run?
Yes, it was a great course and was well suited for me......... I truly
enjoyed it!
Did you have any interesting experiences during your race (exchanges
with competitors/spectators)?
I did have a horsefly chase me for a full lap?!?
Anything you would like to add?
I really want to thank Brian Tuel and his Family for their amazing Hospitality
and bionic super waffles that Catilyn made for us (They worked!!).
I'd would also like to thank my team, especially Jon Posner (manager) and
Steve Borkowski (mechanic) I really put him to work before this race! Great
Job Steve!!
Sponsors:
Trek, VW, JBL, Fox, Sram, Hayes, Bontrager, Chris
King, Wrench Force, Nike, Sock Guy, Zeal, Swany, Oettinger, Power Bar,
Emer'Gen-C