Hamlin tried a new race strategy of starting off slower then gain speed throughout the event. This was an extreme difficult strategy as the course started up the mountain from the word go. He was able to get with a good pack for the first lap. On the technical down hills, the skills gained on the bedrock of the U.P. began to shine, and he was able to pass several riders. By the end of the last lap The Redjacket/BlueSky Health colors were flying high (literally) as Hamlin broke from the pack and accelerated down the last hill, reaching a speed of nearly 30 MPH. Hamlin finished 8th in the Cat-2 Sport Class. This is a must race for skill climbers and descenders..