Just like the chain, derailleur, or brakes on your bike, it’s recommended that you regularly maintain the Boa Lacing System on your Specialized or Lake Cycling shoes. It only takes a few minutes and is easier than you think.
http://vimeo.com/6843415
“My Specialized S-Works mountain bike shoes with the Boa Lacing System were key as I went with slightly thicker Smartwool socks than normal but I was able to adjust the shoes during the race as my feet swelled a bit from the cold and constant pedaling” – Len Zanni Team Honey Stinger
Len Zanni - Photo Curtsey of Mountain Flyer Magazine
In his own words, Team Honeystinger captain Len Zanni gave us the low down on the feelings and hazards of competing in his first Leadville 100 MTB Race…by the way…he placed 5th overall:
“As a rookie Leadville 100 mountain bike entrant, I wasn’t quite sure what to expect. I had pre-ridden certain sections of the course but didn’t have time to ride it all. With that in mind, knowing what pace I could keep up was hard to judge. After the race went from neutral to full throttle as we hit the first stretches of dirt I realized that any thoughts of ‘holding back’ were out the window if I wanted to try and stay near the lead group. I had no idea if I would blow up later or be able to grind it out after those opening miles.
Len Zanni rides the red carpet - Photo courtsey of Mountain Flyer Magazine
Cold temperatures and rain made the first third of the race somewhat miserable but I had listened to sage advice and went with warmer gloves than normal and a thin skull cup under the helmet. I wouldn’t take these off until mile 60 or so. I was especially glad I kept this gear on to the turn-around point at Columbine Mine at 12,600’ as the long descent from there was frigid as it was. With nearly 1500 folks riding uphill and cheering as I bombed downhill the cold was a serious factor. My Specialized S-Works mountain bike shoes with Boa Lacing System were key as I went with slightly thicker Smartwool socks than normal but I was able to adjust the shoes during the race as my feet swelled a bit from the cold and constant pedaling. I was lucky to hold onto 5th place at the end. That is one hard race!”
Check out the complete 09 Leadville 100 MTB Race coverage at Mountain Flyer Magazine
When Boa Technology President Mark Soderberg raced in last year’s U.S. National Mountain Biking Championship in Mt. Snow, Vermont, he had a stellar race. In fact, if the course had been one mile shorter, he would have won. Instead, he was passed during the race’s final descent by eventual champion Doug Long.
But from every defeat comes a victory. And the heart-wrenching finish to the 2008 race stoked Soderberg’s determination to make amends at the 2009 national championship. Through the winter and spring, Soderberg awoke to train in the pre-dawn hours, motivated by the ghosts of the previous summer. His mantra became: “Do the work, get the results.”
With 2500 feet of high-altitude climbing over 15.3 miles, the 2009 championship course at Sol Vista would test the mettle of the continent’s most hardened athletes. And, on race morning, Soderberg stood poised for and hopeful for redemption. Doug Long (Chillicothe, Missouri) was back. And Gary Shuey from Lake Arrowhead, California, “looked as fit as ever,” according to Soderberg.
Boa President and National Champion Mark Soderberg rocking the Boa Lacing System through the trees at the U.S. MTB National Championships. Photo by VAST::vastaction.com
By the second and final lap of the race, Soderberg enjoyed a comfortable lead. “Everything was the way I wanted it,” he said. But the sport of mountain biking has a way of humbling every rider, and Soderberg experienced that version of Murphy’s Law soon enough. As he huffed down a trail, it occurred to him that he was probably off-course. Soon enough, he confirmed that suspicion, and frantically returned to the main trail. Desperation knocked at the door, and he fought to stay composed. “Don’t rush it,” he recalls saying to himself. “Make a good decision.”
Still, “I returned to the intersection not knowing if I’d been passed,” says Soderberg.
In the end, Soderberg’s wrong turn only tightened the gap between himself and the second-place rider. This year, nobody would pass him in the race’s final pedal strokes. In fact, 2008 champion Doug Long finished over 10 minutes back. Soderberg’s closest competitor, Shuey, hit the finish line nearly a minute back.
Soderberg’s finishing time of 1:42:46 gave him the redemption he’d envisioned—and worked toward—for a full year. It also gave him a very nice title to go along with “President, Boa Technology”: “2009 National Champion”
For full results, visit USAcycling.org
Yes, this article is a few days old, but a very interesting read in the New York Times about Team Saxo Bank’s Andy and Frank Schleck and the brothers’ battle at the Tour de France. By the way, both are sporting the Boa Lacing System in the Specialized S-Works cycling shoe. Currently, Andy is 2nd overall trailing Alberto Contador by 4′ 11” and Frank is holding tight at 6th. Click HERE to read the story.
From The New York Times: Jean-Christophe Bott/European Pressphoto Agency
These guys aren’t afraid! Check out Millet climbing athletes Michael Paccalet and Laurent Bouvet demonstrate the technical and performance benefits of the Boa Lacing System while stomping crazy ice and free climbing routes in Europe. WARNING: If you are scared of heights…do not watch!
[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z7U0cbVWlDQ]
[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vHYIdD0xPp4&feature=related]
From The Denver Post
By Scott Willoughby
French mountaineering company Millet is hoping climbers will put their faith and their feet in the new BOA 1st (MSRP: $105), the first rock-climbing shoe on the market to feature the BOA lacing system.
After making a splash in the snowboard and ski boot market in recent years, the revolutionary BOA system will attempt to get a toehold in the climbing world this spring.
The wire-lace ratchet system is known for distributing equal pressure throughout the laces with an efficient turn of a knob and a quick release in a single move. A reinforced tongue and padded collar help keep the hot spots at bay on these 17-ounce (pair) suede, nylon and rubber shoes designed for technical climbing both indoors and out. A slightly asymmetric design, includes a flexible gum sole, heel and top panel for toe smearing.
Get it: At Backcountry Experience in Durango, or on the Web at prolitegear.com, backcountry.com or climbingshoes.com.
