Looney victorious at Palo Duro Canyon Marathon

21.11.2011

November 19. 2011
Amarillo, Texas, USA

This past weekend, Sonya Looney, wrapped up her season at the Palo Duro Canyon Marathon in Texas. One would never guess that such a beautiful canyon and great network of trails exists south of Amarillo, TX! The course was very fast with 15-mile laps consisting of flat singletrack and a lot of short, steep power climbs.

?After the disaster in Brazil with undelivered bikes by American Airlines, I had my heart set on finishing my season on a high note. While I didn't specifically prepare for the event, I knew I'd have some fitness from the riding some of the stages in Brazil after getting our bikes and from a couple intense cyclocross races near Boulder, CO.? stated Sonya.

Temperatures were warm on Saturday peaking around 75F degrees with strong winds. The first lap featured a mini lap to spread out the field of around 100 with a mass start.

?I had some stiff competition and had to race my mentor from when I first started racing. I threw caution literally into the wind and rode furiously at the start opening a 1.5 minute gap. By the second lap, I was paying for turning a very fast first lap, but my gap still grew. I kept looking over my shoulder on the third lap and could not see 2nd place behind me. At 10 miles to go, I had a mechanical with my seat and seatpost. I could barely sit on the saddle, but did not have time to fix it. I had to run the steep climbs and managed the best I could.? claimed Sonya after finishing.

In the end, Sonya would win by 6 minutes to claim 1st overall in the Pro women and 13th overall out all men and women racers.