August 28, 2001 (Boston) Gary Contic a graphic artist from
Arlington, MA and originally from Pittsburgh, PA completed an
impressive 27 laps on a 6.6 mile course at Great Glen, NH, the
base of Mount Washington, and took home the first place award
in the solo class. Contic, an amateur, was a surprise win, beating
a field of experienced pro riders.
After completing a two and a half-hour race at the national mountain
biking championships at Mt Snow, Vermont on Friday, Gary took
his support crew and headed for Great, NH for the Saturday start.
The race started at noon on Saturday and went until noon on Sunday.
Although most participants race in four and five person teams,
Contic decided to compete in the solo class a first attempt
for him.
"After a few laps on the fast dry hilly course, you could see
Gary enter a zone and before we knew it he was in the lead. All
he had to do was keep riding through the night and the trophy
was his," said Doug Hoch, who captained Conticıs support team.
At one point Contic was almost three laps ahead of the closest
competitors including full-time pro riders.
In addition to the racer, the support crew to complete one of
these 24-hour races is impressive. Gary was supported by a crew
which consisted of two mountain bikes, two mechanics, two cooks
/ feeders and two in charge of logistics. All worked in shifts
as Contic went without sleep for the entire race. Contic made
it all look simple as he went on to hold off the field and win
his first 24 hour solo event, tying a course record and riding
178 miles in 24 hours.
"I developed a strategy in the early hours of night. I would
wait for what looked like a slower rider and draft them for the
initial ride out of the valley. It was super cold especially after
taking a break. A few times they would look back as if to say
what the heck are you doing?ı I would tell them that I was a
solo rider and that Iım drafting so I don't freeze to death. As
soon as I started climbing it got hot real quick. From noon Saturday
to midnight you still feel pretty good and then the night kicks
in and you think Itıs going to be dark for 6 more hours.ı After
a while you start getting tired and just plain donıt care -- some
state of apathy. I think I started to feel the thrill of winning
about two days later!" said Contic.
Contic is establishing himself as one of the strongest 24-hour
riders on the East coast. He led a five-person team to victory
at the most punishing course in the 24-hour circuit the 24-hours
of Snowshoe, WV in June. In addition his racing resume includes
a win at the Coyote Hill classic race this year on the mountain
bike and a 2nd place in the Pittsburgh Criterium on the road bike.
Contic races for Team Rage / Harpoon / International -- the racing
team from New Englandıs largest mountain bike club. Last year,
the club launched Team Harpoon, a mountain bike racing team with
a unique approach to grass roots racing: anyone in the club is
welcome to race for the team from beginners to experts and pros.
All have first-come, first-serve access to sponsorships. Thus
far in 2001, the team has won the 24 hours of Snowshoe, the Rhode
Island Cup, 24 Hours of Great Glen, national finals at Mt. Snow,
the Massachusetts and Vermont State Championships and has produced
over 35 first place finishes and 50 top three finishes.
Team Rage / Harpoon / International competes on Gary Fisher bicycles
with support from International Bicycle Centers, Pedros, Bell,
Santa Cruz and Panaracer. Riders are fueled by New Englandıs finest
microbrew Harpoon and by the best in all-natural energy foods
California Dried Plums. To pick up the latest energy, snack
and nutrition updates visit www.CaliforniaDriedPlums.org.
Founded in 1986, the Harpoon Brewery distributes its locally
brewed products throughout the Northeast. The Harpoon Brewery's
line of craft beer features nine year-round beers, including its
signature Harpoon I.P.A., and four special seasonal selections.
In June 2000, the Harpoon Brewery purchased the Catamount Brewery
in Windsor, Vermont. For information on Brewery Tours and events,
call 1-888-HARPOON or visit their website at www.harpoonbrewery.com.
International Bicycle Centers in the Boston-areaıs largest bicycle
retailer and has locations in Brighton and Newton, Massachusetts.
International features Gary Fisher, Trek, Santa Cruz, Klein, Specialized,
LeMond, Merlin, Independent Fabrications, Pedros and other top
brands. Visit them at www.internationalbike.com.
