Root 66 Putney West Hill MTB Race

Interviews

Pro Men Podium

Kurt Schmid & Susan Lynch

Nate Ringquest

Scott Brooks NEBC First Lap

 Great Root 66 Series race today in Putney, VT at the West Hill. Rain in the days leading up to the race and the morning of made for slick conditions on the 5 mile loop. A huge group of pro men got under way at 12:30 PM with 3D rider Greg Carpenter getting the hole shot into the woods. At the end of lap one it was Cannondale factory Team rider Matt O'keefe and Gary Fisher 29er Crew member John Foley together off the front. Not far behind, riders were stretched out one by one in hot pursuit. Kevin Hines, Greg Carpenter, and Seamus Powell were all still in the hunt at the mid way point. It was Foley who made the first move to get away solo, but he was eventually brought back by a patient and steady riding O'keefe. Meanwhile, U23 rider Greg Carpenter was quickly making his way through the field behind. An untimely chain problem with 1 lap to go put Carpenter out of the race on a day that should have been a good finish. As Foley and O'keefe slowed at the front, it was 49 year young Corner Cycle rider Kevin Hines who blew through the leaders and went ahead solo. The x-moto racer and current masters National Champion used his superior bike handling skills and strong climbing to hold on for the victory. O'keefe held on for second while Foley fell to fourth as U23 rider Seamus Powell used a strong last lap to take the last step on the podium. The New England Root 66 Race Series continues next weekend in MA at the Domnarski Farm Mtb Race.