September 21st, 2017 by WCBC Radio
Nearly 500 athletes finished the trio of races that comprise the Savageman Triathlon Festival last weekend, a lineup that includes the demanding Savageman 70.
The Savageman 70 dates back to 2007 and has a cult following because of its challenging bike course. The route includes the Westernport Wall, a short ramp that contains pitches as steep as 31 percent, a climb of Big Savage Mountain, which forms the Eastern Continental Divide, and several other significant climbs.
Overall, the bike course climbs 6,718 feet — more than some Tour de France stages.
Athletes who ride to the top of the Westernport Wall without falling off their bike have a brick adorned with their name laid on the pockmarked road every summer. This year, 116 athletes achieved that feat. (https://www.vtsmts.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/2017-Brick-List-1.pdf)
Finishing the race was Dr. Andy Baldwin, who starred in the 2007 edition of ABC's The Bachelor. Baldwin has competed in several Virginia-Maryland Triathlon Series races as well as Ironman events. Baldwin works as a doctor for the U.S. Navy.
"SavageMan and Deep Creek Lake never disappoint," VMTS owner Greg Hawkins said. "We had a great field of athletes and the best weather we have ever had. The riding in this area is absolutely stunning."
For photos of the Savageman 70, visit facebook.com/vtsmts/
For results from all three Savageman events, visit vtsmts.com/savageman/
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