Stage 2 - Scenic Gorge Time Trial

Day 2 of the Mt. Hood classic featured an 18.5 mile time trial along the Columbia River Gorge with a ridiculous headwind, completely opposite from last year's tailwind. The field headed out in 30 second intervals starting at 12:30 in reverse general classification order, (first place went last).



The course starts with 5 miles of nice flat road leading up to the big 2 mile twisty climb that averages at around 5%. Once over the top begins the serious wind that is strong enough to knock you all over the road. Riders will now begin a 1/2 mile descent right into another 1/4 mile climb. Then follows a 5 mile downhill section that is not nearly steep enough into the little town of Mosier. Into Mosier the riders switch from the road to a bike trail and encouter a power draining 1 mile climb. The final 3 miles of the race twist and roll along, until they finish back into the town of Hood River. Totaling 18.5 miles with just under 2000 ft of climbing, which is a lot for a time trial.

The best time of the day was set by Matt Heck of the 3's, who screamed his way into 2nd place with a 49:05: an average speed of 22.6 mph, and also went from 29th in the GC to 3rd, just 1:20 down from the leader!!! Matt also caught and passed 10 people!! Derek Titus placed 15th with a 51:24, and moved up from 12th overall to 9th in GC, 2:53 back. He "only" passed 4 people. Cucina Fresca is in great position for some good results this year. (On the average speed, last years winner in the Cat 3's averaged 26 mph, and it's not slower riders this year, it was that dang 30 mph headwind.)

In the 4's Tim Kibler slotted into 9th place on the day with a 55:36 with Patrick Dean not too far behind in 11th with a 55:57.

In the pro's, the winner blazed in with a 42.44, averaging 26 mph. Matt Heck's nearly winning time would have gotten him 65th place out of 106 people in the pro race.

All in all a great day of suffering against the clock. We're all anxiously/nervously awaiting tomorrow's queen stage, which features 92 miles of racing with 10,500 ft of elevation gain. The race is FAR from over. Time to eat some more pasta and whip out the massage oil.

Matt Heck

Derek Titus


Tim Kibler