Taleo Dominates Diablo Challenge 2009
by Tim Sutliff
On a cool, crisp October morning, 1000 racers lined up for the annual Mt.Diablo Challenge. The 10.8-mile race ascends 3249 ft along the winding roads of the mountain from Danville to the finish at the majestic summit. Taleo won the fastest team honors in 2008 and was looking for something big in 2009. With no less than 31 racers at the start, the sea of green was an impressive and imposing sight. Taleo’s team was stacked with fast men and women, Levine, Harvey, Price, Kennedy, Low and Carey to name a few.
The wild cards had to be Brad Hillebrandt and young Jonny Moskowitz. Brad, the veteran, had proven to be a gifted climber but was plagued with injuries and mechanical failures this season. Jonny had shown, he too, was fast when the road turned upwards, racking up a string of impressive results in his rookie season. Could the youngster handle the huge, seasoned field of the areas most elite climbers? Any doubts would soon be answered.
From the gun, “The Captain” Dave Levine led the charge, quickly thinning the lead pack. Dave, Brad and Jonny poured it on, leaving only the fittest and most committed to fight it out in the closing miles. As legs wilted and wills crumbled, the three Taleo teammates hammered on, crushing the hopes of the pretenders. Nearing the summit, Brad sensed his moment, took a last refreshing gulp of Cytomax sports drink and attacked on the steepest, nastiest section of the climb, where only fools and heroes dare.
In the end, Taleo scored 3 of the top 5 spots. Brad in 2nd with a blistering 47:15, Jonny 7 seconds back in 3rd and Dave with a stout 48:16 for 5th. The growing Taleo women’s team held up their end as well with Tracy Barhydt ripping off a 56:15 for a podium spot in 3rd and Jean “The Machine” Harvey adding a 4th place to her incredible list of top road and dirt bike finishes this year.
Top podium spots were not the only impressive things Taleo brought to this year’s race. Of the thirty plus in Taleo racers, many of us set personal best times up the mountain. Scott Price, knocked 15 incredibly well earned minutes off his previous year's time, topping the summit just under 1:12. Seventeen Taleo racers finished under the vaunted one hour threshold for hill climbing prowess and prestige. The Challenge also marked the return to racing for Mike Gregoire, just months after the horrific crash that smashed his bike and his scapula, but certainly not his spirit. With the experience, talent and never, ever give up attitude of the team, the 2010 season could not look better.
