CycleYouth
CycleYouth copyright 2008
CycleYouth trademark 2008
May 16
12 Hours of Tsali
Victory Again
The 2008 team
(r-l) Andy, Cory, Seth and Wes
With a one lap advantage after 12 hours CycleYouth takes win number two. The 4-man team took the win in 2007 with returning riders Andy and Seth racing with Wes and Cory this time around.
A 12-hour race is a sort of baton relay where the team is able to complete one lap at a time and take turns riding. The baton is passed off to the next team rider at the finish of each lap, then a fresh rider goes out. The race is scored on the most laps done in the least amount of time.
Rotating one rider per lap each rider went out as hard as possible then rested while the others rode laps. Seth started the race with the LeMans style start. Riders had to run about 300 yards to their bikes which had the effect of thinning out the field before hitting the trail.
Seth was the 2nd racer on his bike and was soon in the lead with a clear course in front of him. He passed off to Andy who maintained the lead. Then Cory, then Wes as this rotation repeated. Each rider held his own against the competitions rider and CycleYouth soon began to extend their lead. This turned out to be a tactical advantage as Wes tangled with some wood and damaged his shifting, loosing 5 minutes. The 2nd placed team still did not catch up, so CycleYouth maintained their psychological advantage on their rivals.
Seth missed getting to ride a dark night lap, so only the other three got to ride in the dark. By then the 59 6-hour solo racers were finished with their race and the trail was less crowded. Wes was able to get in the last lap even knowing that 2nd place was too far back to be able to start a final lap.
CycleYouth did 16 laps with times between 42 and 47 for most of them. Wes' final lap was a celebratory easy-pace cruise to victory.
All riders rode the KHS XC TEAM bikes, which again were perfect for the course.
last updated 8/7/2008
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