This past weekend the team made the trek far north for the UVM Catamount Classic. Six members were there to represent Lehigh. The cross country course was just short of four miles. Seven laps for the top racers made for a long morning of racing. High-speed fire roads and tight, winding single-track made up much of the course. A fun section of fast berms and a short rock garden gave a quick breaks from frequent flat pedaling.
The dual slalom ran over a series of doubles and high berms. Dry conditions meant that getting a bad start would leave you in the dust. They also made traction a bit hard to come by. Between the loose dirt and grassy descent across the line, everyone had a chance to get loose. The final double led straight into the finish and was great for catching some big air and throwing whips.
Sunday morning's short track was through a snowshoe trail. It was lined with roots on one side, with a quick dip through a muddy trench on the other. A few rocks near the start made spectating a bit more interesting early in the morning. The ability to power through roots and bumpy terrain allowed for the leaders to surge ahead.
The downhill course at Sugarbush began with a sharp open berm, and then headed into the woods. A short flow trail section led into the most treacherous part of the trail. A long off-camber rock slab forced riders to maintain speed and control. Those who didn't either lost traction or were forced offline. Next came a muddy section with wet roots and a few dividing trees. Sending it down two consecutive rock staircases and into a steep descent forced riders to jam their brakes for a sharp and loose turn. A final descent through some trees and over rocks and the course was done.
Top finished by each racer: Dean Zeffer 10th Mens A XC, Lenny Ancuta 8th Mens A DH, Andy Reslewic 10th Mens A DH, Matt Buell 17th Mens C STXC, Ian McCartney 14th Mens C XC, Lynette Sominara 4th Womens B DS.
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