Hoosier race Chris Bach gave Indiana fans something to cheer about. The first year pro from Crown Point, Ind., finished third on his KTM at last’s weekend’s Ironman GNCC. The conditions were challenging to say the least. A three month drought in Indiana meant that the trails were so dusty that visibility was an issue and bikes were dropping like flies from clogged air filters and seized motors.

The thick layer of fine dust on the trail covered rocks and roots and even the best riders found themselves on the ground a time or two over the course of the three-hour race. The Ironman truly lived up to its moniker this year.

The biggest cheers from the massive crowd on hand were reserved for Indiana’s own Chris Bach. The first-year pro nailed down a solid third-place finish. It is thought to be the first time that an Indiana rider has finished on the podium in the pro class at the Ironman. After the race Bach was surrounded by well wishers.

The Rider Files caught up with Bach for a quick interview after the race. His headline quote on the conditions summed up the race in a nutshell.

Chris Bach talks about his podium finish at the 2010 Ironman Grand National Cross country race.

Chris Bach talks about his podium finish at the 2010 Ironman GNCC