On April 10-12, the Sea Otter Classic marked the official kick off of the 2003 American cycling season. Dubbed “America’s Spring Cycling Classic”, the event includes a four-stage mountain bike race featuring a time trial, a criterium, a short track race, and a 58 kilometer cross country race.
Team Seven Pro Mary McConneloug proved she was in fine form for the 2003 season opener. Exercising intelligence and patience in the first three rounds of racing, Mary saved her best stuff for the grueling final stage where she kicked it into full gear. She was riding solo in third position for much of the race, which was made even more challenging by 20mph winds. She was never quite able to bridge up to Barbara Blatter and Alison Dunlap, who were riding tandem in first and second. Cresting the final 730 meter climb and going into the last few kilometers, Mary looked over her shoulder to see the fourth place female tucked in with a group of male experts. After a valiant battle, Mary succumbed to the effort of having ridden solo for so much of the race and finished up fourth.
Mary’s outstanding efforts landed her a podium spot for the weekend with an impressive third place in the overall standings. From all of us at Seven Cycles, congratulations on a fantastic race. We’re so proud of you, Mary.
