May 23, 2004 - INTERVIEW
Name: Caitlyn Tuel
City: Lyndell
State/Province: PA
Country: USA
Age: 19
Place: 1st
Category: Pro
Class or Age Group: Women
Team: Trek East Coast Factory
Race Bike: Trek Fuel 100
Tires: Bontrager tubeless
Conditions: Hot, humid, rocky trails-FUN!
Email: tuelcai18@aol.com
How was your fitness level going into this race?
Pretty good, I've been doing some different things with my training so
I felt excited about racing this Sunday.
Were you happy with your position going into the singletrack?
Yeah, I just tried to stick with the other girls on sections that I would
have trouble with, and keep cool because it was so hot out and the race
was so long.
Were you strong from start to finish?
I felt pretty strong thoughout, of course I bobbled on a few things but
everything went pretty smoothly.
When did you put the hammer down?
I tried to focus on getting up the climbs because when its that hot out
it is sometimes easier to ride then to run and get my heart rate up higher.
Did you have any unusual problems?
I thought I flatted a couple times because I really hit some of those rocks
hard, but everything was fine.
Were you happy with the way the race was run?
Yes, I really like the start, and the race course rocked!
Did you have any interesting experiences during your race (exchanges
with competitors/spectators)?
I got bit by a lot of horse flies!
Anything you would like to add?
Thanks to the Trek team for feeding me and everyone else on the course
who supports me every weekend! The race rocked, literally and figuratively,
and I hope they continue to keep it in the race schedule for next year.