David Hertel: 2016 Season Review

At the beginning of the 2016 season, I was extremely focused and determined to push myself to the next level of racing and training. The season started of on a great note, getting my first team sponsorship from 2 Rivers Bicycle and Outdoor Collective Race Team. I was extremely excited to have a fantastic bike shop help support my season ahead. After countless hours at the gym and on the bike, I had a great feeling going into mountain bike season.

The first race of the season was in Iola, Wisconsin. The season opener for the WORS series. Racing at the Cat 2 level for the first time I didn't know what to expect from the young field of individuals I was racing against. I ended up finishing 3rd in my age group, and felt pretty good they entire race. After a few more WORS races throughout Wisconsin;I had a good understanding where I belonged in the field. Shortly after I graduated high school, my younger brother Noah and I decided to do a 6 hour endurance race together as a team. We didn't know what to expect when we showed up in Kettle Moraine. The race was put on by WEMS. When I got to the starting lining for the team. I looked around and saw some huge names from the area. Pushing through the heat of summer and racing against some big names, Team Hertel finished 3rd overall, behind Nathan Guerra and his wife. A few weeks and a couple more races passed, still improving every week. The Midwest MTB Regional Championship sponsored by Trek, came to Cascade Mountain in Portage, Wisconsin. I raced cross country on Saturday, it was about 100 degrees when I started the race. After tons of climbing and cramps I finished 5th for the Cat 2 young men. Sunday rolled around and short track was next up. After tons of rain Saturday night the course was muddy on Sunday! After hanging on to the lead group the whole race I finished 3rd overall. It was a great weekend of racing and I was pretty happy with my results. Before I went off to college, I fit in one last WORS race in LaCrosse, Wisconsin. I didn't have to a chance to pre-ride the course since it was a last minute decision to race. After sticking with the lead group the first lap, getting a feel for the course. The next lap I continued to be in the lead group, thinking about when I would make a move. With 1k to the finish line, my legs felt terrible but I pushed through, and made a move to the front of the group. I pulled ahead and finished 1st with a decent time gap. I was extremely satisfied to take first place on a unknown course.

College came around and I headed up to UW-Stout. I continued to log miles as much as I could between classes and homework. The UW-Stout Cycling team made a trip up to Duluth, Minnesota for the North Central Collegiate Cycling Conference Championships. I planned on racing short track and cross country. Due to low numbers, I was unable to race that weekend, but I had a great weekend with the Stout Cycling Team riding some trails.

As I reflect on my 2016 season, I was satisfied with the amount of miles I put in and how much I improved throughout the season. I not only improved as a rider but my race knowledge improved lots. Also a huge thank you to my sponsors this season for always helping me out! I couldn’t have asked for a better season on my bike. I’m extremely excited to see the new opportunities for me in the 2017 season!