by Michelle Stopper

This past weekend, visitPA.com's Michelle Stopper headed south for the National Ultra Endurance series opener: the Cohutta 100 in Copperhill, Tennessee. The thought of warmer weather and a fast course drew racers from all over who were eager to compete and feel out the competition for the '08 racing season. The weather the night before turned rainy and continued to the start of the 7:00 a.m. race. This led to slick conditions and crashes on wooden bridges early on but dried out by mid-morning, leaving the trails fast and tacky.

On the women's front, Pua Sawiki (riding for Ellsworth) laid down a course record of 7:44, finishing ahead of Cheryl Sorenson (Trek), who was minutes ahead of local legend Carey Lowery (Outdoor Store). Trish Stevenson (riding for Independent Fabrication) and Rebecca Tomaszewski followed close behind. Danielle Musto (Kenda racer) battled a severely swollen and bruised knee while Michelle Stopper (visitPA.com) fixed several flats; they finished 6th and 7th, respectively.

The men's field was dominated by Jeff Shalk (Trek), who nearly broke teammate Chris Eatough's course record. Surprisingly, Floyd Landis didn't place in the rankings, as expected, but it's early. The season is long, and, maybe, Floyd will be back on the east coast for another go-round. Who knows?

All in all, this was a good showing. Those chasing points have eyed up the competition and have time to rethink strategy before the next NUE race, Mohican 100, in Ohio at the end of May.

Stay tuned for more racing!

BIG THANKS TO:

• visitPA.com
• Cannondale Bicycles
• Rudy Project helmets and glasses
• Suunto
• Cadence Cycling and Multisport Centers
• SRAM Bicycle Components

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• The Blue Bluterfly Fund