If you hit the link, you get the course and course profile of the Tour of the Hilltowns, a road race nestled in the hills of Western Massachusetts. This "new & improved" course encompasses two 33 mile loops featuring a sustained 20 minute leg breaking climb. However, most would agree that this course is more inclusive of different riding styles - not just pure climbers a la the retired course. But still, one needs to be able to climb and suffer AND enjoy climbing and suffering. Downeast Racing sent Fred Thomas, Dan Vaillancourt, Troy Barry, Joe Lynch and Matt Moon - riders in the mood for just such an adventure in the Pro-1-2-3 race.
Dan can't wait to get to Hilltowns
The main culprit for upping the discomfort on the hills was Momentum Barracuda's (and Maine resident) Eric Follen, fresh from his stellar 2nd place ride up Mount Washington. The last time up the sustained hill whittled the 70 man field down to 20 with Downeast Racing's Fred Thomas solidly included in this group. Three guys crested the final climb with a 20 second gap - a gap that the other 17 pursuers felt would surely evaporate on the 8 mile descent to the finish. But the twisty descent allowed the 3 to get out of sight and the group could not get a fix on them to properly gauge the necessary closing speed. Too bad as that was the podium up the road. Fred came in with the charging pursuers, disappointed that the 3 could not be caught but most satisfied with a very strong ride and grateful for the support of his mates to get him into the break. Here is a link to the results.
Thanks for the comment Hank! A California Giant rider escaped out of the 18 man field on the 8 mile descent, caught the break, apparently dropped the breakaway riders and ended up winning. A fearless descender or a great sprinter who can get over the climbs is suited well for this course.
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