Episode 2: Vernal Course Preview

Soldier Hollow 2024 Race Course Preview

Course Summary The Soldier Hollow (SoHo) 2024 NICA course is a real climber. If you like long sustained climbs this course is your jam. If that’s not your jam, attack the shorter climbs on the back half of the course and pickup speed on the flats/descents. Links: * Trailforks route [https://www.trailforks.com/route/nica-soldier-hollow-race-2023/] * Google maps route [https://www.google.com/maps/d/u/0/viewer?mid=1je_NRzA72PQn-2u19oO3Isw61KNIQ7c&ll=40.47679564722166%2C-111.49966268590379&z=17] Key points: * Lots of passing, all the double track is open * Trust in your training and work hard on that starting climb * Attack the corners while climbing * Heavy gears and pickup speed on the flats/descents * Prepare for dust, try to be in front of groups for descents * Last section of single track is great place to launch a hard effort before finish * Sprint should start right around the bridge or just before it The NICA course description isn’t entirely accurate: This race is a fast, flowing course at the Soldier Hollow Olympic cross country venue, with a great combination of single track, double track and dirt road providing ample passing opportunity. The course starts with a long, gradual and sustained climb on both paved and dirt roads to allow for separation. It then turns down with some single and double track descending before entering the largest climb, which is a mix of single and double track. Riders then have a rolling descent down near the start area before a small climb to the east side of Soldier Hollow. Here, riders loop back and forth across the venue before dropping into the trees. Spectators really love Soldier Hollow because they can see most of the race and the great infield layout! *Start and Finish Line have swapped from years past. Please pay attention to the map. The starting climb is long and fairly steep. You do not enter the “largest climb” after the first descent. It’s a small climb and every climb after the first one is short. The starting climb is where most of the elevation is on this course. Feed zone is on the starting climb just after the finish line. Course Preview by our own Ross Dinsdale: Vertical Profile: This image really shows it…big climb at the start, descend, and a whole bunch of short punchy climbs. Spectators Near the start and finish are great spots to watch. If you bring binoculars you can see up the hillsides to the west and south to watch your riders. If you venture out go west or south. West is a good spot to see your rider multiple times as they go by. There’s enough time to watch the starting climb then walk over to the single track on the west side. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit lehimtb.substack.com [https://lehimtb.substack.com?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_1]

26. aug. 202420 min

Episode 2: Vernal Course Preview

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