|
|
|
FOR IMMEDIATE CONSUMPTION
July 28, 1998
Matzger Clear Crowd Favorite at Superweek of Skating
Eddy Matzger may not have won the monster Superweek of Inline Skating, July 17-26, 1998, but his attack, attack, attack style of racing was wildly popular to the thousands upon thousands of spectators who lined race courses in ten cities from Green Bay to Milwaukee, WI.
I cant remember who won the race today but Ill never forget the way you kept going and going, remarked a total stranger after a particularly difficult stage in Waukesha. You really made those guys work.
In spite of its deleterious effects on his finishes, making skaters work was Eddys mission all week. He pushed the pace time and time again until his competitors cracked, then plowed them under with relentless attacks.
After all the points were tallied, Matzgers consistency earned him a 6th place overall ranking after 10 days in a row of racing. Powerhouse team Rollerblade helped Derek Downing claim the top spot, followed by sprinters who were content to sit in and wait until the eleventh hour.
Matzgers TWINCAM teammate Scott Baldwin was largely responsible for Eddys solid showing. Baldwin helped chase down dangerous breaks and pushed the pace when racers tried to rest. Baldwin had a sensational finish in Manitowoc, WI, where he led out the whole last lap and finished in front of the field.
The crippling heat wave of the southwestern U.S. affected Superweek only marginally. For the first few days, skaters sometimes fell victim to heat exhaustion, but by stage 4, mild temperatures prevailed, allowing the race pace to heat up.
Eddys brand of racing wasnt just on display during the pro mens events. The category 2, 3, and 4 races, held earlier each day, were stocked with Eddy Matzger Workshop survivors. Eddy cheered his students on during their races, and his students reciprocated by yelling themselves hoarse for Eddy during his.
It was so motivational to have someone who cared on every corner, said Matzger about his cheering sections. I could also see my competitors just burning up every time people yelled for me. That had to hurt them. |
|
 |
|