Canada Cup #3 Report – Hardwood Ski & Bike - June 5

So the team plan was for me to win this weekend, since Jean Ann got it last weekend. After all, fair’s fair. But, unfortunately, things didn’t go as planned. It started on Tuesday with a sore throat. Despite frequent and faithful salt water gargles, the pain persisted and the infection moved to my sinuses. Ugh. Let’s just leave it by saying I felt pretty miserable and just walking up a flight of stairs had me wheezing. Even so, I was determined not to let this bug stop me from racing.

Race day conditions were ideal. Temperatures were in the low 20s, with clear skies and low humidity. Thundershowers the previous day had packed the course down and made it super-fast and grippy. With Emily, Amanda, and Mikaela back from Europe – not to mention Jean Ann (who told me even though I was supposed to win, she wouldn’t just let me win), Catherine, and Brandi – I knew it would be a tough race.

As usual on the Hardwood course, the pack stuck together for the first bit, a wide open chip trail section that kicks up slightly before it hangs a right into a narrower trail and another steeper uphill kicker. I was fine and dandy and well-positioned in the pack until things starting pointing uphill and then my lungs started to burn and I couldn’t maintain the effort required to go that fast. By the time we reached the first singletrack, a whole bunch of girls had passed me and I was resigned to ride my own pace.

Every time I tested my legs on a little climb, I would be wheezing and struggling to recover at the top. My cold was really affecting my lungs and ability to recover. I kept on riding, however, focusing on riding the singletrack fast, smooth, and clean. As long as I concentrated on that and not over-exerting myself on the climbs, I was actually able to have some fun. I eventually did reel in a few of the girls that had gone out faster as they faded and I remained steady.

At the front, Jean Ann tried to stay in contact with leaders Emily, Amanda, Catherine, and Mikaela, but eventually things splintered and everyone finished alone, in the same order. I finished ninth.

Jean Ann relaxes on the deck after the race.

Congrats to everyone. It was a good race on a fun new course. Looking forward to Nationals in 2013/2014! Thanks to Dawn and Ron for the pro feeding job, as well as the usual five-star accommodations and hospitality!

Dawn prepares the post-race meat!

What I’m really looking forward to now is spending some quality time at home and getting healthy. Maybe some sweet BC singletrack is the cure….