Mt Washington Hill Climb Race: Podium Finishes and Records Broken by the NE Team

On August 15^th five members of the NE team went to do battle on the Mt Washington.  The non-sanctioned race is considered to be the hardest hill climbing race in the world.  The race is a 7.4 mile climb to the summit of Mt Washington.  The average climb is 12% with sections that exceed 18%.  The final section nearing the finish maxes out at 22%.  This year the weather was sunny and warm with nominal wind (very unusual for Mt Washington).  Members of the team made the cut off to race in the Elite category lining up with some of the notable pro riders like Phil Gaimon and Ned Overand  aka. "Deadly Nedly"

Chris Hillier (Cat 2) had an exceptional race placing 15^th overall.  Chris's performance gave him the earned title as the fastest hill climber in New Hampshire.  Chris has been showing is power as a hill climber at many of the climbing races throughout New England.   

Kristen Gohr (Cat 1) placed 3^rd overall for the women.  Kristen also broke a longstanding course record for the women's 35-39 category.  Kristen has worked very hard this season and it is shows in her outstanding races results. (read Kristen's race report below) Next Kristen heads off to race the Burke Mt Race in Vermont. 

Jason Moriarty (Cat 3) and Bryon Lewis (Cat 4) had strong performances.

Great Job Guys!!!

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Race Report: Provided by Kristen Gohr (Cat 1)

The bike was ready with new super lite tires and new climbing gearing but I was really nervous about the 7.6 miles on "The Rock". I had checked out the competition and realized with 3 Pro Women in the field my goal of a podium finish would be out of reach. I took the advise of my coach and decided to "race my own race."

I was fortunate enough to be in the "Top Notch" start wave so it was fun to be jockeying with some really great climbers. I focused on my heart rate and didn't let the other riders distract me. I settled in and let my heart rate hover around 183.  At the 5 mile mark I hit a bit of a wall but did a quick calculation and realized I was on pace to beat my previous time.  I had waited a long time for this race and I knew it would come down to a test of my own will and here it was - so I just kept pedaling. 

As I approached the summit the cheers and cow bells were amazing! I had fallen on my first attempt at the final 22% grade to the finish line.  This time I was determined to finish upright. My husband, my sister, and my dad were at the final approach and seeing them there to cheer my through felt like a hand pushing me on the back. I crossed the line and Greg told me "you got third!" I had reached my goal of a podium finish and later at the awards ceremony I was told I set a new course record for my age group!

It was a great day of bike racing!