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Firecracker 50: USA Marathon National Championships
Four Topeak Ergon racers travel to the ski resort town of Brecenridge, Colorado for the USA Marathon National Championships.
July 4, 2010, Breckenridge, Colorado, USA
Over 1200 racers and spectators descended on Breckenridge, CO for the USA Marathon National Championships. Consisting of two 25 mile laps, the course would climb to nearly 11,000 ft each lap testing the riders climbing legs, technical skills, and lungs.
Dave Wiens would ride to 3rd overall in the 50 mile race. “The start was really hard for me and I was wondering if I hadn't gone out too fast - thought I might be in for a long day. But then I settled in and found a good crew to ride with in Jeremiah Bishop and Burke Swindlehurst and was able to remain steady.”
Sonya Looney would ride to 8th overall in the very fast Pro Women’s race. “The Firecracker 50 did not go as planned for me. I knew I was fully capable of a podium finish, but my legs did not want to cooperate and lacked the magical powers they have been giving me so far this season. I was disappointed with an 8th place finish at nationals, but I still enjoyed the stellar riding in Breckenridge, and even launched off of a ramp some of the spectators made for fun.”
Jeff Kerkove would ride to his fastest time ever in his 7 attempts at this event and finished a very respectable 23rd. “My pacing and nutrition was spot on. I was happy with how I performed even though the results do not reflect it. This is just another step in my season goal, the Colorado Trail Race.”
Being a non-USA citizen, Yuki Saito rode to another solid result of 1st place in the Maverick category. “I felt very strong for the entire 50miles. My category (Maverick) started from very back, but it worked well for me since I got confident as I passed people. I took the lead from the first single track section to the end of the race.”
RESULTS
Sonya Looney, Pro Women, 8th
Dave Wiens, Pro Men, 3rd
Jeff Kerkove, Pro Men, 23rd
Yuki Saito, Maverick Men, 1st
