Sandra’s World Cup XC #6 - Race Report - August 2 - Bromont, QC

After some inspirational words from Luna team manager, Waldek, I had my “Grrr” face on for World Cup #6 in Bromont, QC, and I was ready to rumble when the field shot off the start and up the initial 3.5km climb. I felt confident on the 6km course’s many slimy technical sections, and was sure my Bromont demons from 2008 had been exorcised. After a tricky start from a back-of-the-pack call-up, I powered my way into the 20’s, passing riders all through the first lap until the demons reared their ugly heads. I entered the steep, rocky S-turn descent that I’d mastered during training and, with a sinking feeling, experienced déjà vu when my front tire rolled off the rim and immediately went flat. I attempted to re-inflate the tire, but failed, so I rode and ran the flat the remaining 2km to the tech zone at the base of the climb, where Steve and Eric replaced my wheel.


This is me trying to catch up after getting a wheel change. Photo: Marie Devantier

The identical thing happened in the exact same spot at the Bromont World Cup last year, so I was not happy. Once I hopped back on my bike, I focused on the task of catching up, knowing I’d lost a lot of time. I steadily reeled in riders over the next two laps, but was pulled after three laps as the leaders were just about to come through. It was a frustrating experience for me, since I felt on track for a great result, but there’s always another race.

Thanks to Marie and everyone else out there for the encouragement, and to the guys at Xprezo for the tech support and positive energy, and SRAM for the fancy new hollow-pin chain after I bent mine in pre-ride.