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They are the Champions: Amy Beisel -- Crested Butte Alpine Odyssey 100
Cameron Chambers and Amy Beisel knocked it out on Saturday to become the top male finisher and top female finisher at the Alpine Odyssey100. We caught up with them to get their take on the course, and to find out what's next as they look forward to Leadville in 2013.
Amy Beisel
Finish Time: 4:52:46
From: Gunnison, CO
Races for: Team Alpine Orthopaedics
You're from Gunnison. What's it like to race in your backyard? Did you train on the course at all?
I like races in my backyard! The fans, my own bed, the same breakfast I always eat -- just all the pleasures of a home race are wonderful! I didn't train on the racecourse, but I have ridden the majority of it, so I felt pretty prepared going into it.
What did you think of the course? Any favorite spots in particular?
I liked the course. I like to climb, and there was climbing! As much as it hurts, and you want to cry, I love that feeling! The single track at the end of the loop was beautiful, with all the fallen leaves on the ground -- it smelled like fall in there, you know? It felt good to get into the trees and single track!
What were your goals for the race and how did you feel throughout?
My goal was to finish. Sub 63 miles will be the longest race I have done yet, so I was sort of scared of bonking. (I think just under 40 miles was my longest race before this.) I didn't bonk, and I actually felt pretty good the entire race.
Is this your first season as a pro? Is pro mountain biking everything it's cracked up to be?
This is my first season in the pro field! Yes and more! Being on Alpine Orthopaedics, on a team, is amazing and such a good time!!
Tell us about your bike and why it's well suited to this race in particular.
I ride a Giant XTC, 26" wheels. I think the fact that it's a hardtail helped because it's light and more efficient.
What's next on your calendar? Any races coming up? What does your training look like at the moment?
There are a few local races that I will do, but for the most part, it's in the off-season for me. I really don't have a strict training schedule. I learned a lot this year, though. Instead of just riding, I had more of a focus, like incorporating lactate threshold, or high cadence, or strength endurance. I'm going to just keep learning as much as I can, and train more this off-season and next year!
And, finally, Leadville next year? Are you excited about that?
100 miles!!!! Ahhhhh! That scares me a little. But yes, I'm excited!
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