text: Below is an context that describes a sql query, paired with an question that provides further information. Write an answer that appropriately completes the request.  # noqa: E501
  ### Context:
  CREATE TABLE table_name_87 (rank VARCHAR, year VARCHAR, ascent_time VARCHAR)
  ### Question:
  What was the rank of the rider whose ascent time was 43:24 before the year 2002?
  ### Answer:
  SELECT COUNT(rank) FROM table_name_87 WHERE year < 2002 AND ascent_time = "43:24"