Top 5 National Mountain Bike Series #2

               This weekend I set off for my first visit to Fountain Hills, Arizona for the NMBS #2. I didn’t know what I was getting into until I arrived in the hot, dry and desert like climate that Arizona is known for. I looked around and all I saw was desert. At the race venue there was absolutely no shade in site. The sky was clear, the air was dry, and it was dusty. The “perfect” day for a race…..or at least that was what the announcer was saying! I was more intent on racing in 60-70 degree weather that had a little more humidity to it. But, I was there to race, and that was what I intended on doing whether I liked the weather or not.

                The race was setup as an omnium where there were three events that scored together to place you overall for the entire NMBS #2. The events were the Super D TT, the Short Track race, and the Cross Country race each occurring on different days. The latter event was what I went there for and was the most important event in my eyes. However, I wanted to do well in every event.

                I came prepared for a hard, technical Super D with tight singletrack and steep downhills. I even packed a spare wheelset just for the Super D because I was worried my new Stan’s ZTR Race wheelset would be put in jeopardy down a technical fast course. However, what I was presented with was a slightly downhill TT race that seemed more like a road TT then a Super D event. I went with the flow and gave the race my all, but was disappointed with an 18^th place finish out of the 42 some Semi Pro racers. Not the greatest start, but I was motivated to make up for it in the Short Track the coming day.

                On Saturday the Short Track event took place. I felt prepared, was very confident and motivated to do well. After a great start putting me in 6^th place, I realized that I went out above my ability. I tried to hang on, but I was already over my lactate threshold and was forced to slow down 10 minutes into the 25-30 minute race. This being my 2^nd short track race, I was anxious and adrenaline filled my inexperienced body. I fought and fought down to the last minute of the race where, once again, I found myself at a disappointing 19^th place.

                I went to sleep that night telling myself that tomorrow was the day that I had to redeem myself.  I went to sleep early, and woke up motivated and ready to have fun and ride in the event I was waiting for the entire weekend; the 30 mile Cross Country race. I went into the race telling myself that I have to do whatever is necessary to win the race. That being said, I started the race and played the first 2 out of 3 laps very smart. I sat in around 20^th in the first lap drafting and watching the lines in front of me and then moved up to 7^th going into the last lap. That’s when the race really started. There were about 10 of us in the front pack.  At that time the pace was picked up and fatigue started to settle in on many of the riders. I pushed it and found myself making time on the top 5 riders and slowly moving up to the point where I was in 3^rd place by the end of the toughest climb in the race. I was very motivated and wanted the win so I pushed it some more on the downhill and moved into 2^nd place with about 3 miles to go with about 15 seconds to the 1^st place rider. The 3 riders trailing me were very smart though and kept me in sight. I needed a gap and worked very hard to try and get one, but couldn’t shake them more then 5-10 seconds off me.  About a mile 2 miles later came the turning point in my race. The prior 2 days of racing had accumulating fatigue hitting in and I hit the wall pretty hard. The other 3 riders passed me and I struggled to maintain a very respectable 5^th place in the Cross Country race.

                I was very happy with the 5^th place result which also moved me to 9^th place overall in the omnium. Not too bad for my 2^nd National race as a mountain bike racer. Even better yet, that 5^th place Cross Country placement puts me one step closer to the Professional license that I am fighting to get by 2009. It would be great to achieve that goal much earlier then expected! I have plans on attempting to achieve that in the biggest race of the season in two weeks; the Sea Otter Classic. If you get a chance come on out and cheer on the many cyclist competing in the multiple events throughout the week in Monterey, CA. I hope to see many of you there and wish the best for all the competitors.

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