STORY AND PHOTOS BY KAREN BOSSICK
Sun Valley Ski Education Foundation Gold Team member Matt Gelso, who won the Zions Boulder Mountain Tour last year, happily donned the No. 1 bib marking him as the man to beat as a light snow fell on the starting line at Galena Lodge.
He fastened his water bottle around his waist and sucked down a chocolate GU.
“Hopefully, I’ll finish No. 1. My strategy is to be the first person to finishcross the finish line—hopefully I’ll finish No. 1 and get to put on this bib next year.” I just hope this snow keeps the younger guys from going too fast.”
It was not to be, though. Matt fell behind early in the race. He and another racer jockeyed for position about 30 seconds behind the leading racers. And Gelso ended up ninth.
Never mind. Gelso was a good sport, raising his arms as he crossed the finish line.