A great way to start the new year! On the podium with the '07 CX world champion: GP Hotel Threeland, Petange, LUX, Tuesday, January 1, 2008

I guess I gave it away in the title, but my start of 2008 was pretty good, finding my way to my first european podium. Granted it was a rather small race with only 13 starters, but heck, Maryline Salvetat was there. Wendy, Emily and I road tripped in the morning fog, and somehow bypassed our exit to Petange, where I also think I picked up my first speeding ticket in Europe. The flash was pretty bright, so I think I got nailed. Hopefully they will see me humped over the steering wheel looking lost and take pity. But we did arrive, only to realize registration was not even opened until 12:30. We raced at 2. Although it seemed to be a really small C2 race, it has a ton of history and this was the 61st annual race. I am sure women have not been doing it that long, but it has a long tradition.

We rode the course to warm up, but once was enough. The course was pretty much straight up and straight down on fun, muddy singletrack through the woods and then circling back on the pavement climb from the start. It was pretty darn fun!

Wendy and I had our first front line call ups here and I lined up right next to Maryline. Crazy how many people were snapping photos. I was in a good spot. Then the gun was off and for a brief moment in time, I was beating last years world champion. I actually yelled to Wendy, "you are ahead of a world champion!" It ended soon as Maryline took over the race, got to the muddy stairs first and never looked back. I was with her and Simms for the climb and saw that both dismounted for the climb that I made all four laps!!! It was steep and muddy, but I would much rather ride than run. I remained in third for the entire race and worked through the juniors & debutants who were racing at the same time. It was seriously a blast! And the podium was just frosting on the cake. I got a lovely bunch of flowers and had a grin from ear to ear, amongst the confusion on stage. Definitely a great way to start the new year.

Maryline was parked next to us, so a great photo opportunity!!!

Emily getting a bit carried away with the fire hoses they provided at the pits.

More pics I found...