Sandra’s World Cup XC #5 - Race Report - July 26 - Mont-Sainte-Anne, QC

Once again, I made the lonely trip East after a couple of quality weeks at home in sunny, hot BC, where I got to ride my local trails in prime condition. Quebec had been faced with weeks of rain, which ensured the MSA course was slimy and its many roots, rocks, and twists were slick. Pre-riding the course, my legs felt great on the pedaling sections, but I was feeling tentative on the technical. I’ve been spoiled by such a dry summer, I’ve nearly forgotten how to ride wet trails!


Check out my "Grrr face"! Photo: Martin Moreau/www.eyeofglass.com

The skies opened up right before our start, but luckily I had my trusty support team of Steve and Marie to take my rain jacket and see me off on my four-lap, 24km race. I started quite far back in the field, and the start would prove to be super important, as changes to the course meant we hit singletrack bottlenecks early on in the first lap. I felt good, but had a hard time navigating through traffic on my way up the ranks. By the time I entered the first singletrack, a traffic jam meant I had to dismount, and in the second bit of singletrack, we were at a standstill as we waited our turn to continue the race. This was a bit frustrating, but eventually things sorted themselves out, and I was back on my way.


Photo: Martin Moreau/www.eyeofglass.com

For the first two laps, I felt like I’d forgotten how to ride my bike. Every root that it was possible to slip on, I slipped on. Every rock it was possible to ram, I rammed. I was pretty frustrated with myself, because I knew I had the skills to ride all that stuff. Luckily I was pleased with my climbing legs, although I’m questioning whether I took full advantage of them. Could I have pushed that extra bit harder? I hate second-guessing myself, but I think racers are all the same. We’re always aiming to be faster, so it’s natural to try to find spots to improve.


Photo: Martin Moreau/www.eyeofglass.com

On the final two laps, I got my groove back. The course was much easier to ride when it rained harder, as it cleared mud off of roots and rocks and kept the wet earth more liquidy rather than peanut buttery. For most of the race, I battled back and forth with Xprezo team rider M.C. Surprenant, who was flying on the descents and generally out-riding me technically. I had better legs, however, and managed to finally shake her near the end of the last lap.

I finished the race in 36th spot - a vast improvement over my disappointing early-season Euro World Cups, but still not where I want to be. Once again, the racer mentality, but I wouldn’t be doing what I’m doing, if I didn’t believe I can get better. I’m motivated by the fact that my form is on the up and up, and I’m really enjoying riding my bike! I’m currently in Bromont, QC, getting ready for this Sunday’s World Cup, and I love the course! Yesterday it was muddy and slick for the pre-ride, but I seem to have found my mojo again!