Masters lose their grip on Lookout HC

Submitted by Kris Thompson on


Nico leads Kevin up Lookout Mountain in 2010
Photo Credit SportifImages

This year's Oredigger Classic exposed an interesting turn of results in that the Master categories have lost their yearly win of Lookout HC times.

Results

Year after year the SM 35+ field has beaten any times up Lookout in the P-1-2 fields could throw at it. So why this year?. Comments on previous race pages have said master win because of the following reasons;

  • Union of USAC makes collegiate events more popular Due to the change in associations the marriage of USAC and ACA has now made the previous collegiate events that usually received very few non-collegiate racers now opens the door to all racers which makes this race much earlier in the calendar than it normally is which is around early May. This means local pro riders whom are normally out racing all over the USA and World are now still local and available to compete in a local event.
  • 2012 race category changes Have the new changes in the 2012 line-up changing the make up of the master's field? Many have complained recently that with the changes to the categories a dilution of the masters field take place and make the strong master riders more likely to race in the P-1-2 field. 2012 Category Changes
  • Great early spring weather?

Related stories
- 2010 Lookout Mountain HC
- 2011 Lookout Mountain

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16 Comments

Fastest guy

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on

I am pretty sure the fastest non collegiate rider was 35+.

He just decides to race the category that is most appropriate for his skill and fitness level.

Congratulations Leroy!

Why do you or others think 35+ and 45+ riders race those categories instead of P12 when they are clearly strong enough and talented enough to race P12?

It is funny to see a few riders win every time they show up in the 35+ category and not even be challenged.

"Why do you or others think

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on

"Why do you or others think 35+ and 45+ riders race those categories instead of P12 when they are clearly strong enough and talented enough to race P12?"

Because if they raced P12, they would have to work and they might not win. By racing the 35+ or 45+, it's an easy win and they can brag about how fast they are to their coworkers. You got to stoke those fragile egos right?

Make some very valid points

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on

but what is wrong with racing your age group and winning??? I will concede it would be silly for "Ned" to race the 55 at the Iron Horse, it should be noted he had no issues with racing his age group for cross. "Why are you and others so concerned if they win their age group, you are just racing for fun right? I have never won a race,maybe never will, but I have been "wowed" by the 35+, 45+ and damnit the 55+. Do you need to win to stroke your ego?

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