August 1, 2004 - INTERVIEW
Name: Marc Vettori
City: Elkton
State/Province: Maryland
Country: USA
Age: 33
Place: 3rd
Category: Expert
Class or Age Group: Single Speed
Team: Spot Brand
Race Bike: Spot 29er
Tires: IRC Mythos
Conditions: Peanut Butter Soup
Email: Marc@brevoort.com
How was your fitness level going into this race?
I was sick for a while in June so although I am riding well, I know I am
not as strong as I was in the spring, but overall I am having fun riding,
and I feel good on the bike. I saw 2 good movies this week so that was
really a bonus, first Spider-man 2, which was awesome and a must see for
a former comic book geek like me, and then the bourne identity. Yeah, Matt
Damon is a putz, but it was a good movie. I think I'm gonna see Bourne
Supremacy this week.
Were you happy with your position going into the
singletrack?
Yeah, I was leading, well sort of, The single speeders kinda had a parade
up the starting fire road, I think we all knew what was ahead of us,
and no one wanted to go out too strong.
Were you strong from start to finish?
For the most part, I rode consistently, and I didn't crash or flat, which
was my plan, on the last climb I knew Les and Keith had a good gap on
me, and I had a safe distance to the man Big Ben Yoder in 4th, so I was really
in survival mode. I am never eating peanut butter again.
When did
you put the hammer down?
Never really. I am not that good with my hands, I mean, I can bolt something
together, but I definitely flunked shop class. In the sections where
you could ride, I tried to ride my fastest, other wise I tired to survive.
It was a tough day.
Did you have any unusual problems?
Well, as with any mud race the pad in my shorts was quite saturated. So
every time I did a little cyclocross remount, water squirted all around
my shorts. That was really weird. A little unsettling actually...
Were
you happy with the way the race was run?
FSVS, Paul and Brent always do a great job, and given the conditions, things
went very well. Brent was very merciful in changing the course for the
experts, a great effort to give us some trail that we could actually
ride. FSVS is a proud organization, they do a great job putting on races.
Did
you have any interesting experiences during your race (exchanges with competitors/spectators)?
Yeah, my wife, brother, sister in law, mom and dad all came to see me. I
always get up to ride for them. My niece Ciera was there and she was digging
it, she was clapping for racers. When I was done I was so muddy she didn't
even recognize me at first. She went up on the podium with me, that was
really cool. I gave her my trophy she was stoked. It was a good day.
Anything
you would like to add?
Congratulations to everyone who raced today, thanks to Keith, John Cleary,
and all of the Wooden Wheels guys I am so lucky to get to ride with.
Congrats to one of my long time heroes, Dennis Smith, who won his class today,
when I first started He was the king of Iron Hill, and I was so happy to see
him ride so well today. As always thanks to the folks at Spot Brand,
who make the best damn single speeds in the world, and to Dan, Joey, Rick at
Henry's supporting me, as well as Howard at Newark Bike line. James for
providing perspective. Most importantly thanks to my wife, who always
kicks ass.