Overend, who was celebrating his 56th birthday, pulled away less than two miles into the 7.6-mile ascent and rode to the victory in 55 minutes and three seconds.
Juarez, 50, took the runner-up spot just over a minute later with Timothy Ahearn third at 3:19.
“It’s good to win,” said Overend as he cooled off at the summit. “I wanted to win, and I wouldn’t travel this far for it if I didn’t think I had a chance. Comparing past times with the others, I figured I should be the favorite, but I’m not getting any younger!”
It was the second consecutive runner-up finish for Juarez, who finished second to Nico Toutenhoofd in 2010.
“I had more confidence today,” said Juarez. “I knew what to expect. When Ned pulled away, though, I knew he was going to take it. Once you get a decent gap here, it’s hard for anyone to make it up on you. I love this climb!”
Congrats, Ned! I love racing hill climbs, so if you have the urge to tell someone every little detail about your training for Mt Washington, feel free to drop me an email, eh?
ReplyDeleteGood luck at the races, Mr. Lung, sir.