Racing and its up and downs

Up until yesterday I had been able to resolve things that had happened in the races and still continue without too much penalty. But yesterday was a different story. Racing World Cups requires everything to go right, as youre already losing time hand over fist to the superior ability of the top 5 riders in the world.

I got away from the start line well, managing to go around a couple of tangle ups. The speed was insane up to the top of the course on the first lap, but I managed to hold a good position, right around 50 of 100 riders. The descent was fast and this is where all the carnage began. I would say 20 riders flatted on the first lap alone, including myself. Parts of the course were high speed over rocky terrain, and it was carnage for tires. A split second before I flatted my internal computer told me "TOO FAST"....bang. I needed to tip toe that section a little, but I came in heavy and paid for it.

There wasnt a lot I could do except ride it to the tech zone and get a wheel change. However the wheel I got was a different alignment to mine and the rear brake was dragging and making a loud noise as I climbed. I persisted as it was all I could do, but I felt laboured after having the break in rythm and having to deal with a dragging rotor. And at the finish I realised the extent of my brake dragg, I got about half a turn out of the wheel when I spun it.

I only managed half of the laps due to the time I had lost. It was one of those days you hope doesnt happen, but eventually does at some stage. I certainly wasnt alone in my misfortune, a lot of riders suffered with punctures. It seemed to be the nature of the course.

Ill be putting this one behind me a refocusing on next week. Over the years I have got pretty good at putting disappointments behind me and not letting them affect me. Like I have said, everything has to go perfectly well at this top level or else you get hammered. Ill be looking to have a race where I can push as hard as I can and have a clean race, and if I can do that Ill be more than happy.