I survived and did not crash!!! But again, one lap down. And somehow this week I am happy with that. I knew it was going to be a rough race, b/c my body was pretty beat up from the crashes the prior two days. I was hurting. I did a job on my neck, ribs and knee the day prior. Plus I was sore pretty much everywhere, including my butt, which I fell on. 2 crashes in 2 days = sore body. But again, I had nothing to lose and everything to gain. Starting with no one behind you in the very last row, there really is only one way to go, and according to cycling news, " ...by the first singletrack an endless line of riders fired through something that typified the course – anyone with a poor start would be queuing and making the best of minimal overtaking opportunities." I made the best of minimal overtaking opportunities and overtook at every opportunity I had. I pushed when I didn't want to push and had to sit behind a slower rider every once in a while. It was hard. There is no doubt about it. And I was with the same group a lot of the race. On the second or third lap, I passed Heather Irmiger and figured as bad as I was hurting, she must be hurting more, so I was motivated to keep going. Norm was yelling at me from the pits that I had to keep making up spots. I was hoping for a top 60. But I fell short. 74th.
There was a large group within a minute, but once pulled, we don't get times. And we could have again made it through without getting lapped, but they pulled us anyhow, after making us climb the steep climb! I stayed and waited for the leaders to come through on that climb and cheered on the Americans and Canadians. Everyone looked like they were suffering a bit.Wendy and I rode back to the hotel, showered and hurried back for the excitement of the mens race. It was fun to watch, but definitely not as fun as cyclocross. And people paid to get in at this race, and still the crowds were amazing. The feedzone/pit was a flurry of action. I hung out there and wandered to other sights to watch the men fly up and down sections. It was pretty amazing. Another world cup down and soon off to Spain and then home!
I don't really ever see this. I am one of the girls at the back who you can't see!
A smile b/c I survived the dual speed again. And Dave was cheering! But don't be fooled, I am suffering!!!
Mitchell (teammate from SLC) and I. I am done, he is about to race.
The crowds at the wolfsdrop were especially amazing.
Julien Absolon makes it look soooo easy.
Adam Craig didn't make it look so bad either. The snake pit from above.
Now that is the right bag for supporting! Wheels/tools & drinks all on your back.
Although I am not worthy, I am sure this is a nice ride on the mtb.
This was a spectator friendly event for sure.
The awards at the end.
Ahhh. Offenburg.
Does 74th place deserve this??? It was not optional, so I drank it. Two actually. Hanging out with Canadians is tough.
But I definitely think I earned this.
Americans were actually outnumbered, but 12 English speakers at one table = obnoxious. Our waitress did warm up to us eventually.
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