Sometimes racing in front of your friends and family can put you in to a special place.

For Sam Schultz, he’s delivered twice now in his home race.

Deron Williams is an all star point guard for the NBA’s Brooklyn Nets.  During this free agent season Williams had the chance to sign with the Dallas Mavericks.  Not only does Dallas have one of the nicest facilities in the country, but Williams is from the area and has lots of family and friends still around.  Deron Williams decided to stay in Brooklyn with the Nets.  In my opinion he couldn’t handle the pressure of playing in front of his home fans.

During the current slow sports period in Missoula, Sam is the super star.  His 20 foot banner hanging from downtown.  Cycling websites and local media all wanting interviews.  It continues to amaze me how he handles the spotlight and still delivers the goods on race day.

Phil Grove’s ride on Saturday defied all logic.  Cheered on by friends he pushed his body to another level.  Phil has been a solid pro in recent years, including a Montana overall crown last year.  His build to this weekend has not been ideal, he hasn’t won a local race this year, and skipped xc nationals (last weekend) for social reasons.  Grove is a game day performer and I don’t know anyone who could have finished 17th in a pro xct after that build up.  It reminds me of  junior high when they asked 190lb Phil to run the two mile at our district meet.  Not only did he run it off a diet of slim jim’s and french fries he finished 8th in the district and out weighed the competitors by 40lbs.  Phil’s ride on Saturday was inspirational.

photos by www.tomrobertsonphoto.com