Podium Finish for Pronghorn in the US
Wow What a race to end the season. My second ever endurance race, and already guys on the start line where talking about not wanting to race against me. The race two weeks before I was on fire, and if it were not for the three flats I would have won. Most of the gus had been at the last race and where not looking forward to me putting the pressure on early.
The week leading up to the race was hard, I was sick and did not get good rest, but there was no way I was going to let his stop me from trying to win. As the gun went off, I just attacked right away. I found the last race that these endurance racers do not like to go fast from the start. I had a big gap going into the single track, but after a few miles I knew I had to back off. The lack of sleep was really slowing me down. So I settled in and waited for some help. I was joined by Davis Bently (junior national team member) and Greg Anderson (Morgan Stanley team). The great thing was that all three of us have the same coach, Dario Fredrick (whole athlete). So for three laps we took turns on the front and work harded together. We even shared food, seems strange to do in a race against opponets.
The last lap rolled around, and I knew what was coming. My legs were hurting by this point in the race, but if I was suffering so were the other two guys. We hit the first climb and Greg had some sort of mechanical, so I attacked. He bridged up to Davis and I, and we kept going. Greg came around at one point and hit the front hard, It took everything I had to hold his wheel, but I knew if I wanted to win I had to beat him!
I had to get on the front to control Greg and keep him from attacking anymore. So I took the front, and set the pace. Greg faultered on a corner and I attacked again, again he bridged up. We hit some sand and I attacked again, but could not break those two. I attacked two more times over the last few miles but just could not shake them, they wanted the win too. With bout two hundred meters to go I stood up to sprint for the line and a win…but my leg cramped and I had to settle for second.
I really happy with second, to fight so hard for a race is amazing. I am also really excited to know that I can race and win these unltra endurance mtn. bike races and am looking forward to winning the National Ultra Endurance series next year.
Thank you all for your support.
Ray Storm
Hello from the states
Hello everyone! Ray Storm from the US, I think the lone Pro for Pronghorn over here. It has been great to hear about how well everyone did this season, I am stoked to have such fast teamates.
I know the race season has come to close over there, but I have one more race to go. Having switched from the gravity and sprints to endurance racing, I am trying to get some late season racing in so I know how to train over the winter.
I raced last week, first endurance race, and had a great race! I thought I was going to get my doors blown off, but instead set the fastest lap time and had a huge gap on the field…intill I proceeded to get 3 flats in a row. Bad luck, but it is good to know I made the right choice to start racing endurance. So I hope to have some good luck this weekend and bring home my first Pro victory and first pro victory for Pronhorn here in the states.
I will let you all know how it goes
Ray Storm
This is my race face!