Cyclo-cross World Cup #9

Hofstade, Belgium, December 26, 2006

I was 33rd, 7:30 back and disappointed with that for sure. The best way to put how the Canadians raced today was a term coined by our American housemate, Molly who said that we were "raced", haha. It is good to get your ass kicked every once in a while to keep the ego in check you know. Seriously though, the jump in speed at a WC is pretty insane and will take some adaptation.

I started in the back row, and my plan obviously was to move up on the starting straightaway as quickly as possible. The plan was circumvented by me catching my bars on the girl's next to me. We didn't go down fortunately, but it did put me off the back and bit and startled me. I was in contact again by first right hand onto a sandy uphill. Girls were off there bikes and I managed to get off early and pass a few. I settled into a long train before the first long beach section. Nearing the end of the first lap, I was still in a long train and hadn't moved anywhere. Gaps started to open ahead and I missed opportunities to move up. I felt like I found the best grove when I was alone and the last 2 laps I rode better. The long sections on the beach were very hard (like 250m a piece I think) and there was a very,very long run through the pits. It was one of the hardest races I have ever done and I was pretty glad when it was over. I am fortunate that I have 4 more races before my next WC in Nommay, France. The whole event was very overwhelming actually, but I also felt like I learned alot in the race about how I need to ride to be competive. I know that 2 years ago I would have been lapped in a race like this for sure, so I am also remembering where I have come from:)

The crowds were amazing and the atmosphere was really fun. I am sending some pictures. I would have taken more, but it was freezing...about 1 degree. And I had lent Neil my mits because guess what, his haven't arrived yet!! Neil and Kyle are on there way back to the airport now because according to their tracking number the luggage should be in Brussels!

Everyone who is a big deal cross racer has their own bus. Like not just one per team. Like one per person. Except the World Champion. He has a whole semi too. The other pictures are of me trying to warm up, mistakenly facing the crowd, who stand and stare.

Cheers,

Tara