| Submitted by Diann Clothier
TJ Platt, Pro/Expert racer, completed the 9th Annual Appalachian Classic today in 1 hour, 46 minutes, and 40 seconds - surpassing his 2004 course record of 1:51:30 for the 21.6 mile race.
Not only did TJ win the Men's Champion Bowl, but proved, for the second time in a row, that he owns the trails at the Calhoun County Park.
Before TJ broke his record of last year, the fastest time for the 3 lap race was 1:51:59, set by Ryan O'Conner in 2001.
116 mountain bike racers showed up for the West Virginia Spring Point Series Championship under the extremely sunny skies of Calhoun County - 90+ degree heat, and 3 water stations per lap.
The winners were:
Men's Pro/Expert Open: TJ Platt 1:46:40
Women's Pro/Expert Open: Cassie Smith 2:20:49 - also taking home a Champion's Bowl
Men's Vet Expert 35+: Steve Thaxton 2:01:18
Men's Expert Master 45+: Alan Doss 2:14:33
Men's Jr Expert under 18: Cale DeVall 2:43:20
Single Speed Open: Jason Cyr 2:00:18
Racing 2 laps, for 14.4 miles, the Sport Winners were:
Men's Sport 19-34: Nat Arnold 1:30:34
Women's Sport 19-34: Susan Wren 1:49:18
Men's Sport Vet 35+: Dave Koreski 1:28:47
Women's Sport Vet 35+: Ruth Cunningham 1:53:09
Men's Sport Master 45+: Bruce Williams 1:32:35
Clydesdale 200 lb+: Steve Ware 1:45:45
Men's HS 15-18: Derick Wolfe 1:27:07
The fastest male & female sport racers, Susan Wren and Derick Wolfe, won a rafting trip with the Ace Adventure Rafting Company.
Racing 1 Lap for 7.2 miles, the Jr Sport and other 1 lap class winners were:
Jr. Sport 14 & under: Corey Chambers 57:03
Men's Beginner Open: Steve Parrish 53:34
Law Enforcement: Greg Pickens 1:00:17
Olympic Sport 19+: Espe Clothier 54:30
Olympic Sport Vet: Calvin Leport 1:03:19
Olympic Masters 45+: Alan Szafranski 55:06
Olympic Grand Master 55+: Jerry Bliton 1:15:29
The Appalachian Classic MTB Race and Festival thanks all the racers, spectators, volunteers, and sponsors for their enthusiastic support of the race.
For complete race coverage and pictures, check &NBS; www.iplayoutside.com
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