Heather Irmiger rides the Puerto Rican Medalla MTB Classic

Although my goals change with every season, one major goal always remains the same: to continue to consistently get better. In order to achieve this major goal this year, starting my training year in Hawaii one month earlier than usual seemed like a great way, mentally and physically, to get things started. And this year couldn’t have been a better year to do so. For one, this winter was one of the worst winters in Colorado history. Storm after storm hammered the front range mountains where I usually spend my days riding and the bottom line is that no matter how dedicated I am to racing, I only have so many good trainer days in me. Second, I had to get ready for the conditions I just faced this past weekend at the Medalla MTB Classic in Rincon, Puerto Rico. Among these conditions were: racing the 29er, going hard in a 90 degree tropical climate, and, of course, the very rough adjustment of resting on the beach and snorkeling!

Jeremy (Horgan-Kobelski) and I arrived in Puerto Rico late Wednesday night before the Sunday race. Over the next three days it was consistently hot, humid and sunny in the morning, followed by a heavy tropical storm in the afternoon. After riding in the morning and spending the afternoon in the hotel room on Thursday, JHK and I had this Puerto Rico thing all figured out: beach time in the morning, ride time during the warm p.m. showers. Although the opportunity to collect C1 level UCI points made this an important weekend, Jeremy and I were happy that our training plans required us to take a bit more rest this week than others.

When we weren’t riding through foot deep puddles and getting chased by crazy ankle-hungry dogs on our bikes (always carry an extra water bottle to battle this Puerto Rican riding challenge), we took a few moments to reflect on our Hawaiian adventures by relaxing with a book on the beach or taking a quick snorkel among the amazing coral reefs and fish at an area known as “the steps”...the perfect rest week! Our experience in Puerto Rico was already a great one and we hadn’t even seen the course yet! I could not have possibly been prepared for how fun the Medalla Light MTB course and venue was. The course consisted of a 6 km loop that was probably 95% single track.

We started in a clearing and immediately dove into the tightest, twisty, jungle trail. Throughout the ride, there was an amazing variety of stimuli along the course: we had crashing waves and beach just beyond the trees, a short rocky climb with screeching birds, some high speed exhilarating shoots, a grassy field with tied up cows, and, pumping reggaeton music and, of course, the fans. The number of loud, exited race supporters along the course was amazing. The promoter of the event made this a very exciting place to hang out: he had racing, dirt jumping, a live band, autograph signings, food stands, and, of course, lots of Medalla Light!

In addition to the venue being very impressive, the fact that for the first time in 6 days the race day rain held off until the early evening made for a great race. Race day was the hottest it had been since we arrived. Each time I came to a stop while warming up, I instantly broke out into a sweat that equated to one water bottle worth of water loss. Needless to say, my muscles were pretty warm with a short 30 minute warm-up and I was ready to race. I was pretty happy with my start which put me 2nd into the single track behind Mary McConneloug. And although I hydrated very well and raced my hardest, leaning the 29er over hard in every corner, 2nd is where I remained.

Overall, I had a great time and felt really good the entire race and even had the chance to get every race mishap out of the way for the rest of the season: one collision with a tree, one tube falling out of my seat pack into my cassette, and one flat tire which instantly sealed up the new 29er tubeless set up I was running. And who can beat a race day wrap up that includes a quick dip in the ocean, fried plantains on a skewer, followed by PACKED autograph hour at the Medalla Light tent? The day was a huge success for everyone: Jeremy had an epic battle with Todd Wells and Michael Broderick to finish 2nd in a sprint and the rain held out so that the dirt jumpers could do their hucking. The day ended with one of the most impressive, epic torrential down pours I’ve ever seen which provided a thorough bike wash before we had to pack up and head home.

Our Puerto Rican race trip proved to be an excellent choice: the beaches were beautiful, people were friendly, riding was hilly and fun and the race promoter could not have been any more wonderful providing us with our lodging and making sure we had everything we needed. Jeremy and I both earned 40 UCI points for our second place finishes, further helping our country rankings for the 2008 Olympic team points chase while having a blast at one of the most laid back and fun UCI calendar events out there. The 29er performed wonderfully in the single track and made for a super fun ride, and we even managed to hold off our 2007 tan lines just a bit longer.