Sunday, August 1, 2010

Late US nationals race report

So I went into this race pretty confident, due to the 2 weeks I had spent with reasonably low oxygen (at altitude), but things were not to go the way I planned after the first time up the ridiculously steep start hill. Had a decent start, 3rd row and not too fussed after my starts in Europe, and was mixing in the top 5 up the hill. This was not to last though, as my throat began to dry out and fill with dust, starting to struggle for oxygen I was getting to lose the wheel in front of me, still a long way to go on the hill, and in the race.

So I decided to just tap away and try to recover from the hard start. Unfortunately that second wind never came and I was slowly slipping back through the field of about 40. Getting as much water as possible, in the neutral feed zone and from dad, and chasing for a wheel I could hold, finding a pair of riders in blue kits whom I sat sandwiched between for the better part of a lap until an unfortunate front flat which needed to be changed. The change went smoothly, guessing it took around 2 minutes and I was back on trying to chase those guys down with the strength I didn't have.

The last lap was just an attempt to stay on the bike going up that start hill and pull back the lad I sighted at the top of the hill, which didn't happen, again because my legs decided it was not to be.

Finished with what strength I had, securing myself an 18th overall. I would like to be able to say it was the unlucky draw of number 666 but really the 17 guys in front of me were faster and deserved the positions they got. Well done Skyler, that was a good ride mate. Hope to be back next year to mix it up again!

Around the corner before the feed/tech zone

Top of the hard climb

Will be back with more photos when I can chase them up from the relatives!

And blogger has decided it won't let me delete the second copy of this photo so I guess I'll leave it there!