Coupe Canada Bromont

I had a buzz of anticipation for todays race, I had prepared really well and didnt feel any effects of Jetlag. Having come from winter, the heat would be greatest challenge today, with the mercury hitting 30 degrees.
The UCI World Ranking call up helped me and my fello kiwi riders with good start positions. I was called up 8th of 58 riders. The start was not too fierce, I slotted in at about 10th wheel and was content to let the tempo of the race catch up with me naturally, rather than dig too deep and go backwards, which certainly happened to a few riders.

The exposed climbs were insanely hot, and I quickly worked out I needed water over my back and arms. Once I did this, being able to ride a gear higher was instantly possible. I definitely poured more water on me than I drank, that included sports drink, I didnt care, as long as it was cool, and it was working.

I was able to ride the technical section in the trees really well, closing in on riders here. Mike, Carl and I were all racing neck and neck, changing positions regularly, it was a real 3 way ding dong battle, we were all quite evenly matched today and fighting for the top ten.

Unfortunately I lost contact with them on the last half of the final lap, when a chain problem caused me to stop to untangle it. This cost me a couple of spots instantly, and all I could do was ride strong to the finish and conserve my 13th place.

I am really happy with how I felt out there today, a big confidence booster after a crappy winter of illnesses and lackluster races. It has certainly left me wanting for more and I feel that a little more heat acclimation and some specific training will bring me up.

I will be heading to Mt St Anne, the site of the World Championships next weekend, there is a race which I think I will do, the Quebec Championships.