Race: NORBA NCS Series Finals and National Championship
Dates: August 15-18, 2002
Place: Mt. Snow, VT
A smaller Team Peggy ventured to the NORBA National Championships, held for the last two years in Mt. Snow, VT. Team Peggy entry number were down because of recent injuries and teammates' other obligations. Kym Flynn was back although still recovering from her broken ribs sustained at the Alpine Valley, WI round of the NORBA NCS Series. Kym was looking to have a good showing in the Short Track. Linell Wright looked to once again be consistent with a good race in Expert Women 30-34, and Trish Albert was looking for a podium spot in Sport Women 19-29. Rachel Park, Ilse Schefelbein, and Mark "the coach" came for support.
The Vermont course was dry and dusty because of drought conditions in the region this summer. A layer of dust covered everything and looked to make breathing difficult on some of the sections. Races started out early for Team Peggy with Kym's entry in the Pro Women's Cross Country Friday morning. The women were do 3 laps of the Pro course plus a small parade lap to separate the field. Kym was in a good position going into the first full lap and was poised to pass several other riders. During the lap, however, her ribs began to bother her with breathing becoming difficult. Kym was forced to retire in the feedzone on the second lap.
Saturday saw the Sport races and Trish's hope for finally making the podium at the National Finals. She started out with about 25 other Sport Women and the Juniors right behind them. The ladies were supposed to get a 2 minute head start, but it turned into about 30 seconds. As the Juniors began to pass on the first climb, they were literally knocking over the Sport women as they bullied their way past. One Junior tried to pass in an opening less than a foot wide between Trish and the course fencing. Trish was sent over her handlebars and had to be carried off the course on a stretcher with a possible broken left leg. She was relieved when feeling returned to the leg within 15 minutes, and EMT's changed the diagnosis to "banged and bruised." Much to her disappointment, Trish was unable to finish the race. Saturday was also the Pro Women's Short Track. The course was spectator friendly, fast, and in super condition. Kym put in a strong effort and passed other women on every lap. Ilse, Linell, Rachel, and Trish cheered Kym on every lap. Kym hung in for almost 12 minutes and 36th place, a great effort! Kym also finished the year ranked in the Top 50 in Pro Women's Short Track for the NORBA NCS Series.
Sunday was the team's final chance to have a good showing at the NORBA finals. Linell did not disappoint! She pushed herself harder than ever and was in the Top 3 entering the first part of the singletrack after the first climb. She pushed her first lap very hard and settled into a steady rhythm the rest of the race. Linell finished the race with a super result, proving that she is one of the most consistent Experts on the NORBA National circuit.
While not quite the showing that Team Peggy hoped for, Vermont marks the end of the major races for the team. It is time for the team to focus on putting on the Lula Lake Brow Beater Mountain Bike Celebration in September, defending the Women's title at the 12 Hours of the Hill of Truth in November, and continuing to do regional road and mountain bike races. Team members also plan on having some fun and relaxing in the upcoming weeks.