2002 US 10K Classic

US 10K Classic
Atlanta, GA, September 2, 2002 2002
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The world's toughest 10K lived up to its biliing and went off cleanly on September 2, 2002 in Atlanta Georgia. Johnny Gorman nearly trumped the stacked men's pro field after TWINCAM/Salomon's Eddy Matzger ground the pack into submission with withering attacks before encouraging the young upstart to make a break with a mile to go."Thanks to Eddy we almost pulled off the biggest upset of the year on all the pros at the race!" wrote mother Tish. The women racers were admired and feared and ultimately featured in the Atlanta Journal Constitution

Eddy wasted no time getting the festivities started out of the gate, coming out of hiding to surprise attack the field up the first hill, shattering the bucks and leaving little energy for hooliganism. The first of a salvo of rocket launches.

It also helped having a camera. Thanks Nillsons! In a precedent setting move, the video shot from the pace vehicle was also used to confirm some placements. A great way to go USA Inline racing!

In the pro race, pesky Eddy went again and again, managing to acheive a certain degree of separation each time but never being allowed to distance himself definitively from the chasers. "It makes it more fun when you're considered a threat and get keyed on in a race," Matzger said, "but awfully hard to get anything done solo. When I have a teammate like Johnny to counter my attacks, that is when some serious damage can be done."

The nature of the event makes it extraordinary for everybody. Just crossing the finish is winning. Whether you are apprehensive of the ouch of going up hills or the terror of hurtling down them, you will confront your fears and have a blast for having overcome when all is said and done. There are bands to greet you at the top of every hill, and more food and drink at the finishing area than you could ever get your eyes or tummy around (how would you like to score 5 cases of soy milk, raisin bagels, plums of every variety, sandwiches, meringues and so much more?)

Skatecentral owes many thanks for a great weekend to Athens to Atlanta (sign up today for the Greatest Road Skate on Earth), the Atlanta Peachtree Road Rollers (try their incredibly fun night skates!), the Bohemian Skate School (take a lesson today from the vivacious Cindy or the man with gravitas, Paul), Team in Training , Amelia and Anna, and so many more!

1st break	Where's that guy?	Go Johnny Go
Gave it all	Chasers	Downhill start
Running the red	Pressing it	Conqueresse
Mooney again!	Team healing	Rolling peaches
Feeling sluggish?	Last ditch	V-acious!

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