Day 2 of racing in Winter Park was just as exciting as the first, but with a new race leader on the men’s side. The high elevation is causing some to suffer, and letting others excel. With one more day of racing in Colorado, and rowdy stage to start the day on Sunday, nothing is certain. Stay tuned to find out the final winners.
For the second day in a row, skies were bright and clear in Colorado. Pretty typical. Looking down towards the town of Winter Park.
Vendor village was pretty quiet first thing in the morning. It would quickly fill up.
Racers and support personnel are starting to move. Lots of coffee is needed to stir a village in the morn.
Dan Atherton and Brian Lopes discussing the finer points of starting a stage.
Later in the day, the resort village was hopping.
T-Mo was first out of the gate on Day 2, and would take Stage 3 by 5 seconds. The race is heating up.
Anne Caro was not about to roll over and quit, she would come back strong on Stages 4 & 5, picking up 13 seconds over Moseley and move into the lead at the end of Day 2.
Anka Martin, on her Julian Roubion, finding her way through an awkward mix on Stage 4, at times tight with trees, and rotor eating rocks.
Ines Thoma, Canyon, keeping it together to remain in the top 10.
Katrina Strand, another Roubion rider, taking advantage of every bit of suspension the bike has on the constantly funky Mountain Goat trail.
Valentina Macheda is riding a new Ibis carbon prototype. No details available. Coming soon.
Damien Oton had a much better Day 2, constantly improving his placing as the day went on, finishing with a 4th on Stage 5. He must be getting acclimated to the high altitude.
Florian Nicolai riding through the Rocky Mountain high forest, keeping an eye out for the wookies.
Things just aren’t falling into place for Remy Absalon, almost two minutes off Graves pace.
Manuel Ducci wishes things were different, but his foot injured foot just isn’t letting him go full gas. He’s clipped into one pedal, and riding a flat on the other.
Nico Lau is another rider with a much stronger second day, but the leaders were just as strong. He improved, but still sits 1:18 back.
Josh Carlson having fun on Stage 3.
Scott Laughland, Cube Action, trying to find the flow in the forest.
Fabian Sholz is struggling with altitude sickness and a jet lag induced cold, but fights on with his hard to find in America Focus SAM.
Iago Garay seems to be doing ok with the high elevation. The rock garden might slow him down however.
Not a lot is slowing down Rene Wildhaber, who sits in 3rd after Day 2. Anything can happen. One more day of racing will tell the story.
But the man of the hour was certainly Jared Graves, who won all three stages on Day 2. He is loving all the elements of racing in Winter Park. Leading by 17 seconds over second place Richie Rude.
And at the end of the day, if you’re not having fun with your friends, what else are you doing? Team Rude Boy always has a good time.
Words, Photos: Daniel Dunn
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