Radsport TVR MTB Race (USFE MTB Race #5 at Rodenbach)

This is our third year at the Rodenbach MTB race hosted by Radsport TVR in Rodenbach, Germany. This is also the third time we had a huge turn out. For the ladies Franci and Trish both in the Women's Open category. In the Men's Open John, Chris, Rob, and myself. For the Men's Senior category Brian and Jeff. Jack was our Men's Master rider. The organizes improved on last year's already great course by adding more single track and ending almost every single track section with a passing area before dipping into more of the single stuff. The Rodenbach race stands out as one of the races we like the most for a lot of reasons, but at the top of the list is the staggered start. Racers are given a number in the order they register and take off in that order. Three racers take off every minute and the start are is separated from the rest of the race. "MTB time trial" comes to mind.
The start was a nice big ring ride on a cycling path leading to the first section of single track. Then onto a fire road before a steep, short single track section. More fire road then single track. Repeat about 10 times and imagine how nice this race course is.
There were 2 wrecks on a grassy area the hid some ruts from unsuspecting riders. One of them took Trish out of the race with a broken brake lever. Despite the early carnage the team did really well overall with a 1st place for the ladies (Franci), 1st, 2nd, 3rd in Men's Open (Hector, Chris, Rob) 1st, 2nd in Men's Senior (Brian, Jeff) and a Master's win for Jack. This is also the first time in the MTB Series that we scored an overall 1st place win.
We also got to meet Jacob, a young MTB racer from Ramstein and his mother Patty. This was the third USFE race for Jacob, Stuttgart and Kaiserslautern being the other two. Jacob had a great race despite taking a digger on a rut and we think he's going to do well in the series. It's always great to see new faces at these events.
The Rodenbach race has something for everyone and the staggered start helps ensure everyone has a great race and rides the way they like. There's enough variety to keep the serious racers, weekend warriors and first timers happy and challenged. With only one technical downhill section the first time racer has a chance to make up time on the other parts while relaxing a bit and choosing a good line down the tech stuff.
The organizers are enthusiastic and super helpful. The course is well marked even hours before the start giving everyone a chance to do some course recon. The race was well organized and as usual the food was fantastic.
Frikadella sandwich, cake, coffee, two bottles of water and a super race for under 20 euros? Only at Rodenbach. We look forward to going back next year and definitely recommend checking out this race even if it's your first. Two thumbs up and a round of applause for the Rodenbach crew!