Showing posts with label world cups. Show all posts
Showing posts with label world cups. Show all posts
Monday, April 27, 2009
Sunday, April 12, 2009
RACE REPORT - WORLD CUP 1 Pietermaritzburg, South Africa. 11 April, 2009.
Preparing for the trip to South Africa was, as all Potter adventures usually are, a frantic one. I raced the British XC round 1 on the Sunday two days before flying out to SA. Unfortunately I enjoyed myself so much that I had post race buzz and could not sleep a wink on Sunday night. I woke early, a bit too early for my own good, then spent Monday washing, drying, race packing, race re-packing, AQR Holidays working, AQR packing, AQR re-packing, Potter moving house packing, and then again re-packing, squeezing in 2hrs of training and hoping for an early dinner and 7pm bed time as we had a very early start. Basically Ian and I were trying to do too much as always in the little time we had, but then again I don't help myself either as I kept unpacking everything to double check all necessities were in their right bags. We also had friends and elite racers Mel Spath and Ryan Sherlock staying as they were accompanying me to South Africa.
Tuesday morning at the glorious hour of 2am we were all packed and ready to roll. Mel, Ryan and I were off to Heathrow Airport, and once we were dropped off at the airport by Ian, he was then driving back to Luchon all on his lonesome to meet the national Aussie junior squad who he would be working for over the next month. Our flight wasn't until 8pm, so we had booked ourselves into a 'YOTEL'. For 12hrs we had a place to rest, use the internet, shower and keep our belongings safe. These very small cubicles only just fit one bike bag and luggage, so movement was restrictive, but it was great to be able to rest on a bed and try and make up some hours sleep. Well it would have been great if my head wasn't so close to my neighbours toilet, as you could hear every little noise...need I say more.
12hrs later we were boarding our plane to Johannesburg, before a connecting flight to Durban on Wednesday morning. In total it was about 13 hours of flying. Once we hit Durban we had an hour to wait before collecting our hire car and then another hour before we finally squeezed three bike bags, luggage, food bags and three bodies into a smaller car than we had expected...luckily I have been practising yoga alot more this year and was able to bend my body to suit the little space left on the back seat. The three of us then took off for the hills of Pietermaritzburg, or should I say mountains as I just found out today that the altitude is 800m. The first thing we all noticed was the heat, it was intense and the humidity high, yet everything was so green. The scenery was stunning and I fell in love with the area straight away. I was looking out for monkeys as I was told that monkeys are like squirrels in the UK, possums in Oz, and deer in the Pyrenees.
The three of us were staying in a suburb called Athlone, only a 10 minute cycle to the race course. I had found a huge house to rent for the 5 days we were staying in South Africa. We were joined by fellow Aussie Torq sponsored riders Katherine O'Shea and Dan McConnel, plus Aussie national champ Chris Jongeward. It took the three of us longer than expected to find the house and move in, due again to my decision not to bother bringing a map or any directions, because it's more fun trying to guess which house one is staying in. Only problem is that all houses have huge electric gates that are impossible to climb over, and security is very tight in this area. After an hours search we found the house we wanted, and then waited again for somebody to let us in....45 minutes later we were in, bags dumped on a bed and bikes were built in lightening speed...Mr Potter would be proud of my mechanical prowess. It was past 4pm, and we only had about 2hrs day light left, and we didn't want to miss another day off the bike.
It was still humid, so we were out in shorts and jersey which was a wonderful change after 4 months of snow in the Pyrenees. The course was fun, but everybody knew it would be tough as the climbs were steep lung busting efforts, and even late in the afternoon it was hot. The descents were really fun, with fast swooping single track, and small jumps and drop offs thrown in along the way. There were plenty of switchbacks and steep sections, but nothing too technical. It was the type of course where the faster you ride the harder it is, as there were little stumps and rocks that could catch you out if you drifted off line.
I had two days before the race, but only one day on course as I was told I would need a rest day on the Friday....grrr I hate rest days, but coach knows best. So I planned to make the most of my 3hr training session on course....I lasted an hour. I was heavy legged, hot, shaky and had already run out of water. I found a cafe and some aussie mates, plus a very kind south african gentleman who took it upon himself to deliver me icy cold water as I thought I was going to pass out. 2 litres of water in the bladder later, and I was ready to hit the course again, but this time with my mate Andy who warned me to take it easy on course as I was looking a little tomato headed and was still feeling a tad shaky.
I lasted one more hour and then headed for some shade. I still had this little devilish voice inside my head that was encouraging me to ride one more lap, but I resisted and luckily Andy dragged me off course and out of the sun.
That night I lay awake wanting to sleep, but burning up so much that I felt like I was lying down in a sauna. I hate it when you know you need sleep, but your body feels too tired to sleep....strange, but it happens to me often. The next day I was not allowed on course...oh the temptation was there as the single track was so much fun, but the thought of climbing up those hills was not tempting in the slightest. I spent the day resting and bathing legs in the pool which was surprisingly quite cold.
Morning of race day, and the fatigue was still hanging over me like a black cloud, and I couldn't focus very well. I knew I was going to struggle today, but I had my race objectives and I was not feeling under any pressure. I just needed to finish in the top 40....so no pressure when lining up against alot of the top riders in the world :) . I was gridded at the back, and knew I had to race conservatively if I was going to finish. There were no high expectations, but at the same time I didn't want to be dropped on the first climb, so I had to dig deep in places to try not to be left behind. On the first lap there were bottlenecks and every girl was fighting for their position. Instead of fighting though I was falling as my back tyre failed to grip and I went sliding. There had been rain last night, and there were sections on course that had no grip in places.
Once back on the bike I focused on each girl ahead of me and tried to chase them down. At the same time I was trying not to be passed by too many girls behind me, or use up what little energy I had. Mel Spath was close by and she shouted at me to 'DRINK' (thanks Mel). But we both knew that we must keep drinking.
The second half of the race I started overtaking riders who had mechanicals or who looked like they had blown. The heat was a huge factor in this race, and I'm pleased to say that I paced myself as well as I could, and managed to finish 32nd. My best result last year was 33rd, but this result was not one to get carried away with as I felt awful from the word go, but I'm not disappointed either. I'm trying to think more about how to race this year, rather than just ride hard with blinkers on. I don't expect to feel good at every race, as I'm racing alot this year, more XC than I have ever done in the past. Some races will be part of my training too, as what better way to learn how to race, then to race. I'm proud as punch that I achieved my race objectives at the first round of the World Cup Series, which is hopefully a step forward in the right direction. I was too tired to be racing hard, but I did what I could do achieve my goals. Now that I have finished in the top 40 at this race, it will mean a grid position on the fourth row, rather than the last row at the second world cup in Offenburg, Germany....which is a huge YAY on my part.
As always a huge thankyou to the Cotic Bontrager Race Team, who are supporting me and helping me work towards achieving my racing ambitions again this year. Plus a huge thankyou to Mel Spath and Ryan Sherlock for being awesome race mates, Neil Ross for coaching me and teaching me about racing XC, and I can't thank the Pietermaritzburg locals who made us all feel very welcome in their beautiful home.
Now I have over 30hrs of travel to look forward to before I return to Luchon for one day, then a 14hr drive to Lugano, Switzerland for a Swiss Power Cup or now known and the Racer's Cup. More news about that race soon...promise. KPxo
Tuesday morning at the glorious hour of 2am we were all packed and ready to roll. Mel, Ryan and I were off to Heathrow Airport, and once we were dropped off at the airport by Ian, he was then driving back to Luchon all on his lonesome to meet the national Aussie junior squad who he would be working for over the next month. Our flight wasn't until 8pm, so we had booked ourselves into a 'YOTEL'. For 12hrs we had a place to rest, use the internet, shower and keep our belongings safe. These very small cubicles only just fit one bike bag and luggage, so movement was restrictive, but it was great to be able to rest on a bed and try and make up some hours sleep. Well it would have been great if my head wasn't so close to my neighbours toilet, as you could hear every little noise...need I say more.
12hrs later we were boarding our plane to Johannesburg, before a connecting flight to Durban on Wednesday morning. In total it was about 13 hours of flying. Once we hit Durban we had an hour to wait before collecting our hire car and then another hour before we finally squeezed three bike bags, luggage, food bags and three bodies into a smaller car than we had expected...luckily I have been practising yoga alot more this year and was able to bend my body to suit the little space left on the back seat. The three of us then took off for the hills of Pietermaritzburg, or should I say mountains as I just found out today that the altitude is 800m. The first thing we all noticed was the heat, it was intense and the humidity high, yet everything was so green. The scenery was stunning and I fell in love with the area straight away. I was looking out for monkeys as I was told that monkeys are like squirrels in the UK, possums in Oz, and deer in the Pyrenees.
The three of us were staying in a suburb called Athlone, only a 10 minute cycle to the race course. I had found a huge house to rent for the 5 days we were staying in South Africa. We were joined by fellow Aussie Torq sponsored riders Katherine O'Shea and Dan McConnel, plus Aussie national champ Chris Jongeward. It took the three of us longer than expected to find the house and move in, due again to my decision not to bother bringing a map or any directions, because it's more fun trying to guess which house one is staying in. Only problem is that all houses have huge electric gates that are impossible to climb over, and security is very tight in this area. After an hours search we found the house we wanted, and then waited again for somebody to let us in....45 minutes later we were in, bags dumped on a bed and bikes were built in lightening speed...Mr Potter would be proud of my mechanical prowess. It was past 4pm, and we only had about 2hrs day light left, and we didn't want to miss another day off the bike.
It was still humid, so we were out in shorts and jersey which was a wonderful change after 4 months of snow in the Pyrenees. The course was fun, but everybody knew it would be tough as the climbs were steep lung busting efforts, and even late in the afternoon it was hot. The descents were really fun, with fast swooping single track, and small jumps and drop offs thrown in along the way. There were plenty of switchbacks and steep sections, but nothing too technical. It was the type of course where the faster you ride the harder it is, as there were little stumps and rocks that could catch you out if you drifted off line.
I had two days before the race, but only one day on course as I was told I would need a rest day on the Friday....grrr I hate rest days, but coach knows best. So I planned to make the most of my 3hr training session on course....I lasted an hour. I was heavy legged, hot, shaky and had already run out of water. I found a cafe and some aussie mates, plus a very kind south african gentleman who took it upon himself to deliver me icy cold water as I thought I was going to pass out. 2 litres of water in the bladder later, and I was ready to hit the course again, but this time with my mate Andy who warned me to take it easy on course as I was looking a little tomato headed and was still feeling a tad shaky.
I lasted one more hour and then headed for some shade. I still had this little devilish voice inside my head that was encouraging me to ride one more lap, but I resisted and luckily Andy dragged me off course and out of the sun.
That night I lay awake wanting to sleep, but burning up so much that I felt like I was lying down in a sauna. I hate it when you know you need sleep, but your body feels too tired to sleep....strange, but it happens to me often. The next day I was not allowed on course...oh the temptation was there as the single track was so much fun, but the thought of climbing up those hills was not tempting in the slightest. I spent the day resting and bathing legs in the pool which was surprisingly quite cold.
Morning of race day, and the fatigue was still hanging over me like a black cloud, and I couldn't focus very well. I knew I was going to struggle today, but I had my race objectives and I was not feeling under any pressure. I just needed to finish in the top 40....so no pressure when lining up against alot of the top riders in the world :) . I was gridded at the back, and knew I had to race conservatively if I was going to finish. There were no high expectations, but at the same time I didn't want to be dropped on the first climb, so I had to dig deep in places to try not to be left behind. On the first lap there were bottlenecks and every girl was fighting for their position. Instead of fighting though I was falling as my back tyre failed to grip and I went sliding. There had been rain last night, and there were sections on course that had no grip in places.
Once back on the bike I focused on each girl ahead of me and tried to chase them down. At the same time I was trying not to be passed by too many girls behind me, or use up what little energy I had. Mel Spath was close by and she shouted at me to 'DRINK' (thanks Mel). But we both knew that we must keep drinking.
The second half of the race I started overtaking riders who had mechanicals or who looked like they had blown. The heat was a huge factor in this race, and I'm pleased to say that I paced myself as well as I could, and managed to finish 32nd. My best result last year was 33rd, but this result was not one to get carried away with as I felt awful from the word go, but I'm not disappointed either. I'm trying to think more about how to race this year, rather than just ride hard with blinkers on. I don't expect to feel good at every race, as I'm racing alot this year, more XC than I have ever done in the past. Some races will be part of my training too, as what better way to learn how to race, then to race. I'm proud as punch that I achieved my race objectives at the first round of the World Cup Series, which is hopefully a step forward in the right direction. I was too tired to be racing hard, but I did what I could do achieve my goals. Now that I have finished in the top 40 at this race, it will mean a grid position on the fourth row, rather than the last row at the second world cup in Offenburg, Germany....which is a huge YAY on my part.
As always a huge thankyou to the Cotic Bontrager Race Team, who are supporting me and helping me work towards achieving my racing ambitions again this year. Plus a huge thankyou to Mel Spath and Ryan Sherlock for being awesome race mates, Neil Ross for coaching me and teaching me about racing XC, and I can't thank the Pietermaritzburg locals who made us all feel very welcome in their beautiful home.
Now I have over 30hrs of travel to look forward to before I return to Luchon for one day, then a 14hr drive to Lugano, Switzerland for a Swiss Power Cup or now known and the Racer's Cup. More news about that race soon...promise. KPxo
QUICK UPDATE ON WORLD CUP 1 Pietermaritzburg, South Africa
I'm just sending a quick update on my performance at the first world cup of the 2009 mountain bike season. I finished 32nd! Which means I will be gridded 32nd at the next round in Germany. So it makes a change from being gridded last and having to force my way through the crowds in front of me. This is a huge relief because last year at the Offenburg world cup course there were over 120 ladies on the starting grid and I was gridded as number 101.
However I'm not over the moon with my performace. I don't really know how to describe this result because on the one hand it is my best finish at world cup level, in fact one position better than my best result last year when I finished
33rd at Fort William. I missed Olympic shadow squad and world champs selection by 54 seconds, but I was still ecstatic because I knew I had improved at every race and I never thought I would be good enough to finish in the 30's at my first year of world cup racing. So I finish one place better this year at the start of the season, and I'm quite disapointed with myself.
The truth is I was absolutely exhausted from the word go, in fact I have been tired since arriving here late Wednesday afternoon. I feel sleep deprived and have struggled with the heat and humidity. In hind sight I should have arrived here much earlier to acclimatize to the conditions, but I wanted to race the first round of the UK National Series and I could only get a flight on the Tuesday night. So part of my brain is really annoyed that I felt flat as a tack, but then another part of my Potter brain keeps reminding me that I have achieved some of my race goals. I didn't get lapped, I beat my numer plate of 66, I'm one place higher than 2008's best result, and all Neil asked of me was to aim for a top 40 finish....I'm still annoyed though because I hate feeling tired when I ride my bike, it takes the fun out of it and makes me feel really dopey....yes more dopey than normal. When I'm tired I can't push myself as hard as I want to which takes the fun out of racing. It has wound me up big time though for the second world cup, where I will have a week to train and rest properly without any long flights or travelling of any kind.
I plan to add my race report early next week, with photos too you will be pleased to know. In fact if I get myself all packed and ready today for out departure tomorrow, I may just get the report up tomorrow....better crack to it.
Cheerios for now
KPxo
However I'm not over the moon with my performace. I don't really know how to describe this result because on the one hand it is my best finish at world cup level, in fact one position better than my best result last year when I finished
33rd at Fort William. I missed Olympic shadow squad and world champs selection by 54 seconds, but I was still ecstatic because I knew I had improved at every race and I never thought I would be good enough to finish in the 30's at my first year of world cup racing. So I finish one place better this year at the start of the season, and I'm quite disapointed with myself.
The truth is I was absolutely exhausted from the word go, in fact I have been tired since arriving here late Wednesday afternoon. I feel sleep deprived and have struggled with the heat and humidity. In hind sight I should have arrived here much earlier to acclimatize to the conditions, but I wanted to race the first round of the UK National Series and I could only get a flight on the Tuesday night. So part of my brain is really annoyed that I felt flat as a tack, but then another part of my Potter brain keeps reminding me that I have achieved some of my race goals. I didn't get lapped, I beat my numer plate of 66, I'm one place higher than 2008's best result, and all Neil asked of me was to aim for a top 40 finish....I'm still annoyed though because I hate feeling tired when I ride my bike, it takes the fun out of it and makes me feel really dopey....yes more dopey than normal. When I'm tired I can't push myself as hard as I want to which takes the fun out of racing. It has wound me up big time though for the second world cup, where I will have a week to train and rest properly without any long flights or travelling of any kind.
I plan to add my race report early next week, with photos too you will be pleased to know. In fact if I get myself all packed and ready today for out departure tomorrow, I may just get the report up tomorrow....better crack to it.
Cheerios for now
KPxo
Wednesday, June 18, 2008
Tuesday, June 17, 2008
World Cup Racing - Andorra to Fort William
Well my little lonesome altitude training camp on top of the Superbagneres in Luchon seems so long ago. Suddenly I find myself towards the end of my third block of racing. I’m afraid I’m a little bit behind in the blog and KP race report department. My typing has slowed down, in fact my fingers are turning flabby and starting to lose their muscle tone. I’ve been neglecting my typing duties of late due to the constant travelling, racing, living out of a suit case syndrome and trying to catch up with AQR secretarial duties. I try and make a little time each day to add something to my blog, but half the time end up staring at the laptop screen not knowing where to start. I’m not suffering from writers block, no not me…I don’t think that will ever be the case, but rather a condition I’ve called ‘blogged out’. This is a condition when you suffer from ‘experience overload’, where you can’t work out which part of the experience to write about first. As a result you have a million memories that are all fighting for space. If I allow every single wonderful, horrible, tiring and exciting mountain biking experience space on the page I think my ‘little’ reports would turn into a novel…then even I would drive myself crazy with all my mountain bike race ramblings.
I have been trying to start my report from the fourth round of the world cup series held in Andorra, which was three weeks ago. As you probably know by now I was very disappointed that cramp forced me to back off the pace and almost quit. I’m not one to pull out of a race when a little bit of pain gets me down, but when I couldn’t actually move my legs because the pain was so intense then I really thought it was race over. So why was I so upset about one race when there are plenty more ahead? Because it was such a fun course to ride!!!! There were switch backs beneath the trees, steep shoots that brought tingles to the back of your neck and some challenging rocky and rooty sections that made you think very carefully about your line choice. Then there were those punishing climbs that even had many of the lads forced to use their granny ring. To ride this course well you couldn’t just be fit, but you had to have a certain amount of technical climbing and descending skill as well, which is what mountain bike racing at this level should be all about.
I was riding well during practice and feeling strong, but on race day my goals changed from trying to beat my grid position of 55 to trying to beat my darn cramp and to finish with a result. I achieved a result of 46, but unfortunately ended up finishing one lap down. The legs finished fresh as a daisy, but my stomach felt like it had done 1000 crunches.
I tried to forget about my disappointing race in Andorra, and turned my attention to the next round of the World Cup series in Fort William. First it was a quick stop over in Luchon to unpack, wash and repack the race kit before a 3am transfer to Toulouse Airport on the Wednesday morning before the race. Ian was staying in Luchon for AQR guiding duties, but I had the pleasure of accompanying top Aussie racer Sid Taberlay to Glasgow, who invited me to sit in the British Airways members lounge when we stopped off at Gatwick Airport…I had to try and act all smart and business like as it was a rather swanky lounge.
The journey from Glasgow to Fort William was a long one, but it gave me time to think about my first Fort Bill adventure way back in 2006. The first World Cup I experienced was a shocker. It was the first time I hadn’t finished a race. I remember lying in a muddy bog with a sore knee and wondering why I didn’t choose an indoor sport such as gymnastics or badminton? I had caught a bus and train from Luchon to Toulouse Airport, flown to Manchester and then suffered motion sickness along the winding road to Fort William. So it wasn’t the best of starts really. Then to race only one lap in the pouring rain, before tripping over my own two feet down a steep muddy bank that was impossible to ride down, had to be the icing on the cake really…those midges must have pitied me as they left me well alone. I was determined to return to Fort William and race again one day in the future, but this time to make it to the finish line.
Two years later and this time I was prepared…sun cream and t-shirts stayed in the Pyrenees and made room for all the thermals and waterproof clothing I could squeeze into my backpack. I wasn’t going to let no rain clouds or muddy banks stop me from finishing this race either. However to my surprise the course was dry, in fact it was very similar to courses I raced back in Oz. I don’t think I have ever experienced a dusty course in the UK before, but on my first practice lap I was already choking on the dust and even wiping out on a loose sandy bend. It was one of those stacks where you still think you’re riding your bike, when in fact your kissing the ground, as it was so unexpected and quite an easy switchback. I had a few grazes, but nothing compared to all the midge bites that soon appeared. The course was great fun to ride and although I was still a bit shaky from my stack, I was enjoying the rocky sections and fast switch back berms, as well as the technical climb at the start of the course that was really fun to play on….yes climbs can be fun too :)
I was a barrel of nerves on race day because I kept running in to so many people I knew. I really didn’t want to ride like a spanner or suffer cramp again in front of my adopted home crowd. I kept allowing all these little negative worries to enter my brain. Neil Ross, the national coach gave me a little pep talk…the shaky voice and stiff body probably made it quite obvious to him that I was just a tad nervous. I was told to focus on my breathing and to shut all those little thoughts swirling around my brain. There were only 49 riders who had registered, but who all happened to finish regularly in the top 50 at world cup level….so there were some pretty experienced racers on course. But I was not to think about how awesome the competition were going to be, and whilst lining up had a little argument with my brain to stop thinking like a wimp and to toughen up.
The start was a dusty one. I had moved from last off the grid to somewhere in the middle of the pack. Then a crash or dismount forced all the girls ahead of me to run with their bikes. I didn’t react quickly enough and ended up back of the pack again. I hate running with my bike and had trouble getting back on it again, so I had a fair bit of chasing to do by the time my feet finally clipped in the pedals. I managed to make up some places on the climb and found myself one of the many girls cruising down the singletrack descent, unable to go any faster as there were too many girls out in front. There was no way of passing safely until we reached the fire road. The first single track descent was a long one and I could hear someone grunting from behind me and then my rear tyre being hit every so often. Once the trail widened out one of the Chinese racers came flying past and told me to ‘Frog off!’ (swear word that starts with ‘F’) I was a bit shocked, and found myself telling her in my best teacher’s voice to watch her language. I don’t understand why being that verbally aggressive is necessary. All it did was make me more determined to pass her…which I did the following lap :)
The second half of the race I was feeling a lot more relaxed on the descents. I was following a Canadian rider who was taking such smooth lines, bouncing off the rocks and taking air whenever she could. I really enjoyed following her and felt like I was trail riding with the AQR lads. I knew I was going faster than the first couple of laps, even though I didn’t feel like I was trying as hard because I was just having so much fun. I felt like I was pacing myself well and towards the end of the race started to make up a lot more places to move into 33rd position. I was very happy with my result, but more importantly I really enjoyed hearing all the encouragement from the crowd, who made me feel like I was racing on home turf, which in many ways I was.
I’ve had such an amazing journey the last couple of months travelling from one race to the next across Europe. I have learnt more about myself as a mountain bike rider and racer. I know by racing at this level I have learnt things that nobody, not even my coach could teach me. I have always believed that once you stop learning and experiencing then you will never improve at whatever it is you want to be good at. These races have been very challenging, and more often than not I have felt like a fish out of water or rather a Koala out of a gum tree…whatever the saying is. However I know I have improved as a rider…I also know that I have a lot of work ahead in order to improve as a racer, which is my long term goal and one that I’m not going to stop experiencing for a long time yet….sorry Mr Potter :)
I have received fantastic support from the Aussie crew and coach Neil Ross, to my Coach Matt Hart here in the UK, plus my sponsors who have just been so encouraging and generous with their time and support. Experiencing the sights and sounds of world cup racing has been an amazing experience, and one I encourage all racers to strive for. If racing is not for you then even if you decide to become an ‘elite spectator’, then you won’t be disappointed as the atmosphere at these events is awesome….plus I know plenty of riders out on course who really appreciated the encouragement, and I for one are one of them. So as always a huge thankyou to those of you who made the journey to Fort William, and to those few who even came all the way to Andorra to cheer….it was very much appreciated.
As always Special thanks to –
Cotic – www.cotic.co.uk
Bontrager – www.bontrager.com
A Quick Release Holidays – www.aquickrelease.com
Torq & Torq Australia – www.torqfitness.co.uk
Magura Forks – www.magura.com
Hope – www.hope.com
Skins – www.skins.net
And co-sponsors Crank Brothers, SRAM, Catlike Helmets, Lumicycle, Bigfoot bags, 661 gloves, Sundog eyewear, Ergon bags and Purple Extreme Lubricants.
*Also special thanks to Joolze Dymond and lovely husband Dave for driving me back to Nottingham and Luke Webber for your quick thinking mechanical help on Friday.
I have been trying to start my report from the fourth round of the world cup series held in Andorra, which was three weeks ago. As you probably know by now I was very disappointed that cramp forced me to back off the pace and almost quit. I’m not one to pull out of a race when a little bit of pain gets me down, but when I couldn’t actually move my legs because the pain was so intense then I really thought it was race over. So why was I so upset about one race when there are plenty more ahead? Because it was such a fun course to ride!!!! There were switch backs beneath the trees, steep shoots that brought tingles to the back of your neck and some challenging rocky and rooty sections that made you think very carefully about your line choice. Then there were those punishing climbs that even had many of the lads forced to use their granny ring. To ride this course well you couldn’t just be fit, but you had to have a certain amount of technical climbing and descending skill as well, which is what mountain bike racing at this level should be all about.
I was riding well during practice and feeling strong, but on race day my goals changed from trying to beat my grid position of 55 to trying to beat my darn cramp and to finish with a result. I achieved a result of 46, but unfortunately ended up finishing one lap down. The legs finished fresh as a daisy, but my stomach felt like it had done 1000 crunches.
I tried to forget about my disappointing race in Andorra, and turned my attention to the next round of the World Cup series in Fort William. First it was a quick stop over in Luchon to unpack, wash and repack the race kit before a 3am transfer to Toulouse Airport on the Wednesday morning before the race. Ian was staying in Luchon for AQR guiding duties, but I had the pleasure of accompanying top Aussie racer Sid Taberlay to Glasgow, who invited me to sit in the British Airways members lounge when we stopped off at Gatwick Airport…I had to try and act all smart and business like as it was a rather swanky lounge.
The journey from Glasgow to Fort William was a long one, but it gave me time to think about my first Fort Bill adventure way back in 2006. The first World Cup I experienced was a shocker. It was the first time I hadn’t finished a race. I remember lying in a muddy bog with a sore knee and wondering why I didn’t choose an indoor sport such as gymnastics or badminton? I had caught a bus and train from Luchon to Toulouse Airport, flown to Manchester and then suffered motion sickness along the winding road to Fort William. So it wasn’t the best of starts really. Then to race only one lap in the pouring rain, before tripping over my own two feet down a steep muddy bank that was impossible to ride down, had to be the icing on the cake really…those midges must have pitied me as they left me well alone. I was determined to return to Fort William and race again one day in the future, but this time to make it to the finish line.
Two years later and this time I was prepared…sun cream and t-shirts stayed in the Pyrenees and made room for all the thermals and waterproof clothing I could squeeze into my backpack. I wasn’t going to let no rain clouds or muddy banks stop me from finishing this race either. However to my surprise the course was dry, in fact it was very similar to courses I raced back in Oz. I don’t think I have ever experienced a dusty course in the UK before, but on my first practice lap I was already choking on the dust and even wiping out on a loose sandy bend. It was one of those stacks where you still think you’re riding your bike, when in fact your kissing the ground, as it was so unexpected and quite an easy switchback. I had a few grazes, but nothing compared to all the midge bites that soon appeared. The course was great fun to ride and although I was still a bit shaky from my stack, I was enjoying the rocky sections and fast switch back berms, as well as the technical climb at the start of the course that was really fun to play on….yes climbs can be fun too :)
I was a barrel of nerves on race day because I kept running in to so many people I knew. I really didn’t want to ride like a spanner or suffer cramp again in front of my adopted home crowd. I kept allowing all these little negative worries to enter my brain. Neil Ross, the national coach gave me a little pep talk…the shaky voice and stiff body probably made it quite obvious to him that I was just a tad nervous. I was told to focus on my breathing and to shut all those little thoughts swirling around my brain. There were only 49 riders who had registered, but who all happened to finish regularly in the top 50 at world cup level….so there were some pretty experienced racers on course. But I was not to think about how awesome the competition were going to be, and whilst lining up had a little argument with my brain to stop thinking like a wimp and to toughen up.
The start was a dusty one. I had moved from last off the grid to somewhere in the middle of the pack. Then a crash or dismount forced all the girls ahead of me to run with their bikes. I didn’t react quickly enough and ended up back of the pack again. I hate running with my bike and had trouble getting back on it again, so I had a fair bit of chasing to do by the time my feet finally clipped in the pedals. I managed to make up some places on the climb and found myself one of the many girls cruising down the singletrack descent, unable to go any faster as there were too many girls out in front. There was no way of passing safely until we reached the fire road. The first single track descent was a long one and I could hear someone grunting from behind me and then my rear tyre being hit every so often. Once the trail widened out one of the Chinese racers came flying past and told me to ‘Frog off!’ (swear word that starts with ‘F’) I was a bit shocked, and found myself telling her in my best teacher’s voice to watch her language. I don’t understand why being that verbally aggressive is necessary. All it did was make me more determined to pass her…which I did the following lap :)
The second half of the race I was feeling a lot more relaxed on the descents. I was following a Canadian rider who was taking such smooth lines, bouncing off the rocks and taking air whenever she could. I really enjoyed following her and felt like I was trail riding with the AQR lads. I knew I was going faster than the first couple of laps, even though I didn’t feel like I was trying as hard because I was just having so much fun. I felt like I was pacing myself well and towards the end of the race started to make up a lot more places to move into 33rd position. I was very happy with my result, but more importantly I really enjoyed hearing all the encouragement from the crowd, who made me feel like I was racing on home turf, which in many ways I was.
I’ve had such an amazing journey the last couple of months travelling from one race to the next across Europe. I have learnt more about myself as a mountain bike rider and racer. I know by racing at this level I have learnt things that nobody, not even my coach could teach me. I have always believed that once you stop learning and experiencing then you will never improve at whatever it is you want to be good at. These races have been very challenging, and more often than not I have felt like a fish out of water or rather a Koala out of a gum tree…whatever the saying is. However I know I have improved as a rider…I also know that I have a lot of work ahead in order to improve as a racer, which is my long term goal and one that I’m not going to stop experiencing for a long time yet….sorry Mr Potter :)
I have received fantastic support from the Aussie crew and coach Neil Ross, to my Coach Matt Hart here in the UK, plus my sponsors who have just been so encouraging and generous with their time and support. Experiencing the sights and sounds of world cup racing has been an amazing experience, and one I encourage all racers to strive for. If racing is not for you then even if you decide to become an ‘elite spectator’, then you won’t be disappointed as the atmosphere at these events is awesome….plus I know plenty of riders out on course who really appreciated the encouragement, and I for one are one of them. So as always a huge thankyou to those of you who made the journey to Fort William, and to those few who even came all the way to Andorra to cheer….it was very much appreciated.
As always Special thanks to –
Cotic – www.cotic.co.uk
Bontrager – www.bontrager.com
A Quick Release Holidays – www.aquickrelease.com
Torq & Torq Australia – www.torqfitness.co.uk
Magura Forks – www.magura.com
Hope – www.hope.com
Skins – www.skins.net
And co-sponsors Crank Brothers, SRAM, Catlike Helmets, Lumicycle, Bigfoot bags, 661 gloves, Sundog eyewear, Ergon bags and Purple Extreme Lubricants.
*Also special thanks to Joolze Dymond and lovely husband Dave for driving me back to Nottingham and Luke Webber for your quick thinking mechanical help on Friday.
Monday, June 2, 2008
Andorra World Cup - post race feelings
I feel broken :)
I will post my report in the next day or two. I'm not quite in the happiest of spirits at the moment as what should have been a great race was not to be. I loved the course, and the legs felt strong, but cramp once again ruined my race.
The course was super! Although very tough in places the single track was so much fun. You couldn't help but giggle all the way round....except on those seriously steep climbs when you just needed to concentrate on breathing. There were rocks, roots, switchbacks, steep shoots and even a gondola ride to the start of the course.
Unfortunately the rain set in and grip was an issue on certain sections of the course, but considering how much rain swept across Andorra on Friday night I thought the course held up well. My stomach on the other hand didn't. I couldn't have asked my legs for a better start. The bike handled beautifully up the technical climbs and the descents were just like my favourite trails here in Luchon...I couldn't believe how many girls I passed early on considering I was once again gridded at the back of the pack. I was riding hard, but it was a comfortable hard, if that makes any sense. In other words I knew I could maintain that pace. Half way round Neil Ross the Aussie coach called out to me to keep it steady. There were still 4 laps to go and I knew to save myself a little for the laps ahead. I was riding with girls I normally don't see until the very end and was just having one of those days where I felt Super! But it wasn't to be becasue my darn stomach cramped up. I'm upset because those 'super days', when you feel invincible, don't always come along when you really want them to.
Towards the end of the first lap my race was over. My stomach cramped up so severely that I was forced to stop and just sit on the ground like a babbling baby. I watched all the girls pass me and tried to get going again, but I was in agony. I have never cried on course before, but the pain and the frustration took its toll....so yes I'm officially a wimp!!!!! (I'm really taking my frustration out on this key board right now).
I decided to get back on the bike and try and ride one loop. I thought I would have to pull out, but deep down I didn't want to. I couldn't ride hard, but the pain started to subside a little so I carried on and managed to overtake some girls. This kind of motivated me to keep going. I couldn't attack or ride hard, but I could spin....so spin I did. After three laps my stomach felt like I had done a thousand sit ups, but my legs felt fresh. I really wanted to try and push it as I was still overtaking a few riders every now and then.
I was on the fourth lap and expected to be pulled, and pulled I was. I found out later that I almost made it round to start the 5th lap, but it was race over for me from the moment I stopped. I finished in 46th position, which is best world cup result so far, but in actual fact that position means nothing. I always try to look for positives as well as all the areas that need to be improved upon, but at that moment in time I was gutted! In fact in this moment in time I am still gutted!! I just want my stomach to stop playing up or at least if it has to play us wait until I'm not racing. I loved that course and I just wasn't able to race it properly.
After speaking to Neil and Emma Coulson who is a physio, I'm starting to think it may be a muscular problem, rather than a dietary problem. I used to think it was from eating to close to the race or eating the wrong food, but it's almost like the pain of sciatica, but in my stomach. I'm returning to the UK this week for a couple of weeks of racing, but more importantly for me at the moment to get some treatment. Hopefully my mysterious belly ache will be solved sooner than later.....here's hoping :).
I will post my report in the next day or two. I'm not quite in the happiest of spirits at the moment as what should have been a great race was not to be. I loved the course, and the legs felt strong, but cramp once again ruined my race.
The course was super! Although very tough in places the single track was so much fun. You couldn't help but giggle all the way round....except on those seriously steep climbs when you just needed to concentrate on breathing. There were rocks, roots, switchbacks, steep shoots and even a gondola ride to the start of the course.
Unfortunately the rain set in and grip was an issue on certain sections of the course, but considering how much rain swept across Andorra on Friday night I thought the course held up well. My stomach on the other hand didn't. I couldn't have asked my legs for a better start. The bike handled beautifully up the technical climbs and the descents were just like my favourite trails here in Luchon...I couldn't believe how many girls I passed early on considering I was once again gridded at the back of the pack. I was riding hard, but it was a comfortable hard, if that makes any sense. In other words I knew I could maintain that pace. Half way round Neil Ross the Aussie coach called out to me to keep it steady. There were still 4 laps to go and I knew to save myself a little for the laps ahead. I was riding with girls I normally don't see until the very end and was just having one of those days where I felt Super! But it wasn't to be becasue my darn stomach cramped up. I'm upset because those 'super days', when you feel invincible, don't always come along when you really want them to.
Towards the end of the first lap my race was over. My stomach cramped up so severely that I was forced to stop and just sit on the ground like a babbling baby. I watched all the girls pass me and tried to get going again, but I was in agony. I have never cried on course before, but the pain and the frustration took its toll....so yes I'm officially a wimp!!!!! (I'm really taking my frustration out on this key board right now).
I decided to get back on the bike and try and ride one loop. I thought I would have to pull out, but deep down I didn't want to. I couldn't ride hard, but the pain started to subside a little so I carried on and managed to overtake some girls. This kind of motivated me to keep going. I couldn't attack or ride hard, but I could spin....so spin I did. After three laps my stomach felt like I had done a thousand sit ups, but my legs felt fresh. I really wanted to try and push it as I was still overtaking a few riders every now and then.
I was on the fourth lap and expected to be pulled, and pulled I was. I found out later that I almost made it round to start the 5th lap, but it was race over for me from the moment I stopped. I finished in 46th position, which is best world cup result so far, but in actual fact that position means nothing. I always try to look for positives as well as all the areas that need to be improved upon, but at that moment in time I was gutted! In fact in this moment in time I am still gutted!! I just want my stomach to stop playing up or at least if it has to play us wait until I'm not racing. I loved that course and I just wasn't able to race it properly.
After speaking to Neil and Emma Coulson who is a physio, I'm starting to think it may be a muscular problem, rather than a dietary problem. I used to think it was from eating to close to the race or eating the wrong food, but it's almost like the pain of sciatica, but in my stomach. I'm returning to the UK this week for a couple of weeks of racing, but more importantly for me at the moment to get some treatment. Hopefully my mysterious belly ache will be solved sooner than later.....here's hoping :).
Sunday, May 18, 2008
World Cup 3 - Madrid, Spain
Before I discovered mountain biking I had caught the travelling bug. I moved to London to find work as a teacher. I then used every holiday and last penny to explore Europe. It’s an Aussie thing, that is taking over London pubs and then touring across Europe to compare Aussie lager to Europe’s finest beer, wine, spirits...it’s just what young Aussies do or they did back in the day....yes I realise I’m 30 and now officially a grown up (well just).
My first European tour had been a two week back packing trip across Spain. I was looking forward to seeing Madrid for the first time. I thought being the capital it would be a magnificent city, full of culture and historic monuments that would be worth a photo shot or two, but the day we arrived it was scorching hot and the last thing I felt like doing was admiring concrete. At the time all I wanted to do was chill out in the shade of a tree and experience a proper Spanish siesta. After dodging cars and walking for miles on end, I remember discovering a leafy park where there was a huge man made lake where one could hire rowing boats and plenty of tree shade to escape the sun. The park was a lovely sight as it stood out from the concrete jungle surrounding it. I remember walking across the park feeling a sense of relief that we had found such a beautiful area where young children played and people walked their dogs, and just around the corner prostitutes stood around in their underwear. When I looked closely I could see endless piles of litter, used needles and other nasties that ruined what could have been an amazing area to escape Madrid’s concrete city jungle. I couldn’t believe how Spain’s capital city could also be a city of contrasting features. I wasn’t in any rush to return to Madrid and wondered how it could play host to a world cup mountain bike race...
The third round of the World Cup series in Madrid marked the end of the first block of racing for the Cotic Bontrager Race Team. We Potters had moved from the UK to the French Pyrenees, before returning north to Switzerland, then further north again to Belgium, before a short 4 hour drive south to Germany; and then a mammoth 13 hour drive back to Luchon for a 2 day stop over. Another 8 hours in the bus down to Madrid was just the icing on the cake really. I for one was feeling jaded and hoped the hotel in Madrid wasn’t going to be too difficult to find. As we approached our destination it was surprisingly quiet, hardly a car on the road. There were plenty of people walking around, but no traffic. Then we noticed the police. There were police everywhere, and several roads were closed...alarm bells were going off in my brain as I thought a possible terrorist attack had occurred.
Once we had found the hotel, it was time to eat. Even if a terrorist attack had gone off it was not going to stop me from eating as I was famished. It had been a strenuous 8 hours of acting co-pilot, navigating from time to time, trying not to fall asleep and crossing my legs as I kept needing to go to the toilet. I know it doesn’t sound like I do a great deal as co-pilot...but for some reason sitting in one spot for a long period of time makes me exhausted. Ian and I walked around the block looking for a restaurant or supermarket. Then we walked around another block and down a few side streets. We walked for what felt like miles upon miles at the time....but hunger and fatigue tend to make one exaggerate, and it was probably less than 20 minutes. So I tried to take charge of the situation, as I like to think I’m the tougher one out of the Potter duo... but ended up crying from lack of calories and grovelling to Ian like a three year old....’I need food...’
As it turned out we had arrived on a public holiday weekend and every super market was closed, and the restaurants wouldn’t open until after 9pm. It also explained why there were police everywhere. I had lost my will to live and sent myself off to bed. Ian refused to give up and eventually returned with a solitary box of Special K....my favourite. I was brought back to life with my own version of tapas that consisted of Special K, Torq bars and a horrible looking mangled banana found at the bottom of my bag that left a horrible taste in my mouth.
The next day it was time to find the mountain bike course. I experienced déja vu as we approached the race venue, it was that same park I had visited all those years ago. There was the lake with the rowing boats, and everywhere there were children and families walking dogs and playing football....and still on parade were those ladies showing more skin than need be. It was that park, but how on earth could a mountain bike race be held here?
My concerns were soon put to rest, as it was one of the most well organised events I have ever been to. I enjoyed riding the course during practice. There was plenty of fast single track, steep climbs, and some fun drop offs too. The entire area was much bigger than I expected. There was nothing scary or too technical on it, but I knew it was going to be hard because it was so fast, and the climbing would hurt. When I found out I was gridded 85, I was thrilled. Finally, my starting position was moving up the ranks, not by much, but it was a good start. Then I discovered there were only 90 girls racing (as Bart would say, doh!)
As we lined up I noticed that there were only four riders on the back row, including myself. Well at least I didn’t have to worry about the racers behind me, well not on the starting line anyhow. I knew it was going to be very difficult gaining places early on in the race, and didn’t want to be caught up in a crash which I was pretty certain would happen on the first sandy bend. As the front group took off I tried to move forward, and managed to make up a few places. Then another rider came storming through the middle of the pack, elbows out, while riders either side went flying off to the side. I quickly moved on to her back wheel and tried to make myself look really aggressive as well...but then I was surrounded by an angry group of riders who thought it was me who took them out. I couldn’t go anywhere, I was blocked by bodies, bikes and so many darn elbows. I just had to wait for the climbing to start.
Unfortunately my first lap was a horrible experience. Pause for just a moment as I explain one of the bad things about riding a bike hard...cramp! Many of you, I’m sure will know what I’m going on about. Now and then in training, I suffer the most intense cramp in my stomach. It can last up to 10 minutes, but it usually doesn’t come back after that. Ian thinks that when I try really hard I forget to breath, and I allow my whole body to tense up, and that’s what brings it on. Well on that first lap the dreaded cramp began. I made a mental note that I was breathing...yep still puffing away, on oxygen that is. I then focused on relaxing my upper body and eased off to give my body a chance to fight the pain. It lasted the entire first lap. As I passed Ian in the feed zone I could hear him shouting breathe, RELAX! I felt like screaming back “you try relaxing when your heart is above 190 bpm, your legs are hammering as hard as they can, and you have cramp....” But it wasn’t the time or place to have a marital discussion....we Potters never argue :).
By the time the second lap had started the pain had disappeared and it was time to start racing. I started to pass girls who already looked wrecked, but there were still plenty of super strong racers out in front who were just warming up. I then felt this fist in my backside as I was making my way up a fairly steep climb. It wasn’t a gentle fist either, but someone was actually punching me 3,4,5 times....and it really hurt. I know I should always be fighting for every position on the race course, but not literally. All I could think to do was put my brakes on. Bad move as this caused more grief from some Russian girl, with blonde pig tails, who then rode into the back of me. I suddenly found myself tangled up in her bar ends and she was grunting at me and pushing me to the ground. There was a group of Spanish male spectators, who I would like to say were disgusted by these dirty tactics, but I think they were actually enjoying seeing two blondes fighting each other. Let me make it clear though that I was not throwing any punches. Instead, I was just trying to disengage myself from her bike so I could continue the race. Unfortunately the Russian girl got ahead of me, but I was wound up to the max. The adrenaline came pumping through my veins. By the top of the climb I passed her and looked behind at one point to ensure there was a decent gap....as I didn’t want anymore bruises.
By the third lap I found myself riding with my Aussie pal Zoe King, who was looking very strong. The two of us rode together, taking it in turns to lead, and trying to make more places up along the way. I wasn’t sure how long I could keep up with Zoe as I felt pretty flat. I enjoyed the team work though as it helped lift my spirits. With two laps to go Zoe and I were racing to finish. Since this is my first proper cross country season racing at international level, my first goal is to always finish without being pulled from the race. When we came through for the start of the final lap I was hoping that we made it through....and we did! I was happy, and certain Zoe was thrilled too, but we were still racing, still suffering and knew the high 5’s would have to wait until we crossed the finish line.
Only one lap to go now. Although not feeling strong there were a few girls out in front who looked like they had blown completely. There was just nowhere to rest, and I felt bad for them as it’s a horrible feeling when the legs just can’t take anymore. There were plenty of cheeky climbs that were not just super steep, but also loose and off camber. I was really battling to find grip on them today and kept making silly errors with my body position on the bike. The descents were really fun, even though I was struggling to find grip on the climbs, I had no problem at all on the sandy descents. Which is always a good thing on this type of loose surface, as gravel rash is not pretty.
Towards the end of the final lap I dug deep and managed to finish second Aussie home and 57th overall. I was pleased that I made up more places than my gridding of 85, but annoyed with myself that I didn’t feel fast. The legs just didn’t have the buzz that I was hoping for, that all racers hope for at every race. Perhaps after 5 races in a row that started from the UK and finished in Spain the legs, body and brain are feeling fatigued and ready for a short break before the next training and racing block begins. I have a month of training, as well as guiding and AQR secretarial duties, before my last two world cups. One of them will be at Fort William, which is quite exciting as I look forward to returning to my British racing home turf and catching up with some familiar faces.
As always Special thanks to –
Cotic – www.cotic.co.uk
Bontrager – www.bontrager.com
A Quick Release Holidays – www.aquickrelease.com
Torq & Torq Australia – www.torqfitness.co.uk
Magura Forks – www.magura.com
Hope – www.hope.com
Skins – www.skins.net
And co-sponsors Crank Brothers, SRAM, Catlike Helmets, Lumicycle, Bigfoot bags, 661 gloves, Sundog eyewear and Purple Extreme Lubricants.
My first European tour had been a two week back packing trip across Spain. I was looking forward to seeing Madrid for the first time. I thought being the capital it would be a magnificent city, full of culture and historic monuments that would be worth a photo shot or two, but the day we arrived it was scorching hot and the last thing I felt like doing was admiring concrete. At the time all I wanted to do was chill out in the shade of a tree and experience a proper Spanish siesta. After dodging cars and walking for miles on end, I remember discovering a leafy park where there was a huge man made lake where one could hire rowing boats and plenty of tree shade to escape the sun. The park was a lovely sight as it stood out from the concrete jungle surrounding it. I remember walking across the park feeling a sense of relief that we had found such a beautiful area where young children played and people walked their dogs, and just around the corner prostitutes stood around in their underwear. When I looked closely I could see endless piles of litter, used needles and other nasties that ruined what could have been an amazing area to escape Madrid’s concrete city jungle. I couldn’t believe how Spain’s capital city could also be a city of contrasting features. I wasn’t in any rush to return to Madrid and wondered how it could play host to a world cup mountain bike race...
The third round of the World Cup series in Madrid marked the end of the first block of racing for the Cotic Bontrager Race Team. We Potters had moved from the UK to the French Pyrenees, before returning north to Switzerland, then further north again to Belgium, before a short 4 hour drive south to Germany; and then a mammoth 13 hour drive back to Luchon for a 2 day stop over. Another 8 hours in the bus down to Madrid was just the icing on the cake really. I for one was feeling jaded and hoped the hotel in Madrid wasn’t going to be too difficult to find. As we approached our destination it was surprisingly quiet, hardly a car on the road. There were plenty of people walking around, but no traffic. Then we noticed the police. There were police everywhere, and several roads were closed...alarm bells were going off in my brain as I thought a possible terrorist attack had occurred.
Once we had found the hotel, it was time to eat. Even if a terrorist attack had gone off it was not going to stop me from eating as I was famished. It had been a strenuous 8 hours of acting co-pilot, navigating from time to time, trying not to fall asleep and crossing my legs as I kept needing to go to the toilet. I know it doesn’t sound like I do a great deal as co-pilot...but for some reason sitting in one spot for a long period of time makes me exhausted. Ian and I walked around the block looking for a restaurant or supermarket. Then we walked around another block and down a few side streets. We walked for what felt like miles upon miles at the time....but hunger and fatigue tend to make one exaggerate, and it was probably less than 20 minutes. So I tried to take charge of the situation, as I like to think I’m the tougher one out of the Potter duo... but ended up crying from lack of calories and grovelling to Ian like a three year old....’I need food...’
As it turned out we had arrived on a public holiday weekend and every super market was closed, and the restaurants wouldn’t open until after 9pm. It also explained why there were police everywhere. I had lost my will to live and sent myself off to bed. Ian refused to give up and eventually returned with a solitary box of Special K....my favourite. I was brought back to life with my own version of tapas that consisted of Special K, Torq bars and a horrible looking mangled banana found at the bottom of my bag that left a horrible taste in my mouth.
The next day it was time to find the mountain bike course. I experienced déja vu as we approached the race venue, it was that same park I had visited all those years ago. There was the lake with the rowing boats, and everywhere there were children and families walking dogs and playing football....and still on parade were those ladies showing more skin than need be. It was that park, but how on earth could a mountain bike race be held here?
My concerns were soon put to rest, as it was one of the most well organised events I have ever been to. I enjoyed riding the course during practice. There was plenty of fast single track, steep climbs, and some fun drop offs too. The entire area was much bigger than I expected. There was nothing scary or too technical on it, but I knew it was going to be hard because it was so fast, and the climbing would hurt. When I found out I was gridded 85, I was thrilled. Finally, my starting position was moving up the ranks, not by much, but it was a good start. Then I discovered there were only 90 girls racing (as Bart would say, doh!)
As we lined up I noticed that there were only four riders on the back row, including myself. Well at least I didn’t have to worry about the racers behind me, well not on the starting line anyhow. I knew it was going to be very difficult gaining places early on in the race, and didn’t want to be caught up in a crash which I was pretty certain would happen on the first sandy bend. As the front group took off I tried to move forward, and managed to make up a few places. Then another rider came storming through the middle of the pack, elbows out, while riders either side went flying off to the side. I quickly moved on to her back wheel and tried to make myself look really aggressive as well...but then I was surrounded by an angry group of riders who thought it was me who took them out. I couldn’t go anywhere, I was blocked by bodies, bikes and so many darn elbows. I just had to wait for the climbing to start.
Unfortunately my first lap was a horrible experience. Pause for just a moment as I explain one of the bad things about riding a bike hard...cramp! Many of you, I’m sure will know what I’m going on about. Now and then in training, I suffer the most intense cramp in my stomach. It can last up to 10 minutes, but it usually doesn’t come back after that. Ian thinks that when I try really hard I forget to breath, and I allow my whole body to tense up, and that’s what brings it on. Well on that first lap the dreaded cramp began. I made a mental note that I was breathing...yep still puffing away, on oxygen that is. I then focused on relaxing my upper body and eased off to give my body a chance to fight the pain. It lasted the entire first lap. As I passed Ian in the feed zone I could hear him shouting breathe, RELAX! I felt like screaming back “you try relaxing when your heart is above 190 bpm, your legs are hammering as hard as they can, and you have cramp....” But it wasn’t the time or place to have a marital discussion....we Potters never argue :).
By the time the second lap had started the pain had disappeared and it was time to start racing. I started to pass girls who already looked wrecked, but there were still plenty of super strong racers out in front who were just warming up. I then felt this fist in my backside as I was making my way up a fairly steep climb. It wasn’t a gentle fist either, but someone was actually punching me 3,4,5 times....and it really hurt. I know I should always be fighting for every position on the race course, but not literally. All I could think to do was put my brakes on. Bad move as this caused more grief from some Russian girl, with blonde pig tails, who then rode into the back of me. I suddenly found myself tangled up in her bar ends and she was grunting at me and pushing me to the ground. There was a group of Spanish male spectators, who I would like to say were disgusted by these dirty tactics, but I think they were actually enjoying seeing two blondes fighting each other. Let me make it clear though that I was not throwing any punches. Instead, I was just trying to disengage myself from her bike so I could continue the race. Unfortunately the Russian girl got ahead of me, but I was wound up to the max. The adrenaline came pumping through my veins. By the top of the climb I passed her and looked behind at one point to ensure there was a decent gap....as I didn’t want anymore bruises.
By the third lap I found myself riding with my Aussie pal Zoe King, who was looking very strong. The two of us rode together, taking it in turns to lead, and trying to make more places up along the way. I wasn’t sure how long I could keep up with Zoe as I felt pretty flat. I enjoyed the team work though as it helped lift my spirits. With two laps to go Zoe and I were racing to finish. Since this is my first proper cross country season racing at international level, my first goal is to always finish without being pulled from the race. When we came through for the start of the final lap I was hoping that we made it through....and we did! I was happy, and certain Zoe was thrilled too, but we were still racing, still suffering and knew the high 5’s would have to wait until we crossed the finish line.
Only one lap to go now. Although not feeling strong there were a few girls out in front who looked like they had blown completely. There was just nowhere to rest, and I felt bad for them as it’s a horrible feeling when the legs just can’t take anymore. There were plenty of cheeky climbs that were not just super steep, but also loose and off camber. I was really battling to find grip on them today and kept making silly errors with my body position on the bike. The descents were really fun, even though I was struggling to find grip on the climbs, I had no problem at all on the sandy descents. Which is always a good thing on this type of loose surface, as gravel rash is not pretty.
Towards the end of the final lap I dug deep and managed to finish second Aussie home and 57th overall. I was pleased that I made up more places than my gridding of 85, but annoyed with myself that I didn’t feel fast. The legs just didn’t have the buzz that I was hoping for, that all racers hope for at every race. Perhaps after 5 races in a row that started from the UK and finished in Spain the legs, body and brain are feeling fatigued and ready for a short break before the next training and racing block begins. I have a month of training, as well as guiding and AQR secretarial duties, before my last two world cups. One of them will be at Fort William, which is quite exciting as I look forward to returning to my British racing home turf and catching up with some familiar faces.
As always Special thanks to –
Cotic – www.cotic.co.uk
Bontrager – www.bontrager.com
A Quick Release Holidays – www.aquickrelease.com
Torq & Torq Australia – www.torqfitness.co.uk
Magura Forks – www.magura.com
Hope – www.hope.com
Skins – www.skins.net
And co-sponsors Crank Brothers, SRAM, Catlike Helmets, Lumicycle, Bigfoot bags, 661 gloves, Sundog eyewear and Purple Extreme Lubricants.
Saturday, May 3, 2008
World Cup 1 - Houffalize, Belgium
Suffering from nausea and pain in my stomach wasn’t the best start to my first world cup experience. I spent the entire night in pain which still hadn’t subsided the morning of the race. I had less than three hours to get my race head on and find some spring in my legs. The Aussie girls and I were riding into Houffalize from our base in Cherain, while our support crew drove the AQR bus to the course to start setting up. The cloud was still low, but the temperature much warmer than it had been, a good sign that the course might be drying out. As we descended into Houffalize, already the atmosphere was warming up. There were people everywhere drinking beer and eating crepes, as well as lycra clad bikers (that be me and over 130 other ladies) starting to warm up and wearing expressionless faces that were impossible to read. There were some super looking athletes that looked terrifying in their pro designer sponsored outfits. I usually forget that in many ways I look the pro part in my Cotic Bontrager racing kit, but I´m certain I don´t look that scary....rather the scared one shaking in my shoes.
I started to look for the toilet area as pre-race jitters do wonders to my bladder, when I realised my rear mech wasn´t working. I tried to find the problem but didn´t really have my mechanical head on at that moment in time and so rushed off to find Ian. I have this really annoying nasal whine when Ian knows I have done something wrong.....IANNNNNN! Minutes later I was still whining and about to sob. As I was looking for Ian I became more and more disorientated, as well as panic stricken. I was also lost. Half an hour later Mr Potter found me and we rushed off to the SRAM tent as my rear mech had broken, which was my second diagnosis. I actually thought I was just being a numpty and my nerves had brought on ‘forget how to ride your bike’ syndrome. Thank my lucky stars for SRAM who saved the day and replaced the rear mech with a new one....thankyou!
I headed off to my box to wait to be gridded. I was 89th out of approximately 130 riders. There was a chilly breeze as we waited and I was envious of the girls spinning on a turbo who looked much warmer than I felt. It was good to see Jenny Copnall and a few other familiar faces who said a quick hello before moving to their starting booth. Not long after we were called out by number and squashed into the starting area. A couple of girls were pushing each other around and the girl next to me grabbed a girl´s saddle in front and pulled her backwards. The nerves had subsided by this point, but I was feeling slightly groggy and yawning more than I cared for. Soon enough we were let loose and the noise from the crowd was mind blowing. As we took off I felt that this was going to be a slow race for me. The legs didn´t take off and I struggled to make up many places on the tarmac climb. I still felt weary in my eyes, but I hoped the first descent would pump some adrenaline through my body.
Once off the steep tarmac climb the race course began through a pine forest that was fairly wide in places, but there were also sections of single track with slippery roots and muddy bogs that caused havoc in places and forced many a rider from their bike. As expected there were bottle necks as the single track started. Every rider fought for their space. I also found this inner aggression inside me that I had never met before as I stopped other riders from stealing my place, elbows were out and I had to stop myself from growling at one point. I was still on the bike heading into the steep muddy descent, and with the Bontrager Mud X on the front grip was not an issue....but my darn shorts were as I found myself stuck on the back of the saddle and unable to move forward to take on the switch back and large compression at the bottom of the descent. It was a wipe out manoeuvre, and I was eating dirt. I didn’t have time to check bike and body over, as I didn’t like the thought of all the ladies behind me running or riding over me. By this stage all the girls around me were running the next two steep shoots. I had no choice but to run them too. The last one was so steep that it was far more difficult walking down it and I vowed to ride it next time or risk twisting my knee.
I was back on the bike and over taking girls out in front until I found a group of girls who were sitting at a similar pace. The course changed from pine forest to a barren gravel hill side that had some nasty steep sections that were also quite loose in places. Every muscle was forced into action and I was constantly moving around on the bike to ensure I had maximum grip at all times. Then the course changed to my favourite descent, a steep single track section with tight switch backs along the way. There were still girls in front walking their bikes, but I refused to this time and slowed down to ensure I didn’t cause a collision. Once past the nasty rocky off camber corner that sent many a rider into the safety padding, I missed the final switchback and took a sneaky straight line that you couldn’t brake on, you simply held on for dear life. As the trail flattened out there were a couple of large bumps in the ground that slowed you down, before a long horrible and very draggy climb. Now I love challenging climbs but this was truly nasty and sucked every ounce of energy from your already energy-less legs. At the top of the climb you knew it was time to descend down an undulating trail that had gullies to navigate and a slippery corner that could send you into the crowd if your tyres didn’t grip. Then it was back into Houffalize town to the electric roar of the crouds shouting ‘Allez! Allez! Allez!’ That was the second half of the course and the initial starting loop that helped spread riders out.
Another steep tarmac climb later and it was time for a technical traverse that I was riding in practice, but the rain last night and erosion from the thousands of tyre marks, had done substantial damage that I was soon off the bike and running to the top of the rockiest steepest section of the race. There were girls out in front still running with their bikes, but I managed to overtake one of them and make a few places up as I stayed on the bike and carried speed over the bridge. Then it was through the feed and technical zone where I heard Mr Potter screaming encouragement or rather shouting at me to get a move on as there were plenty of women to chase down. Then it was on to the next climb that was a mix of steep technical single track, tarmac and wide open trail before heading through the forest again. It was not just a physically demanding loop, but there were also plenty of technical challenges along the way.
There were still four laps to go and I still didn’t feel quite awake, but was surprised at how many girls I was passing who looked like they had over cooked it at the start. With so many girls racing it was impossible to know where you were placed, but I was always racing the girls I could see out in front. I was also racing myself as the pace was intense and I had to fight off that lazy little voice inside my head that occasionally begs me to ease off the gas. I also had to keep reminding myself to drink those carbs and to stay relaxed and off the brakes. I was also racing the clock because my aim was to finish without being lapped....so many things to think about, but at the same time keeping focused and not allowing any negative thoughts to creep in.
I was on my second last lap and as I headed towards the feed zone I could hear Ian telling me to get a move on or I would not make the 20% cut off point. However a mix up in the feed area lost me some time. I was passed plain water instead of my carb drink. Instead of just getting on with it I stopped. I had people all around me passing me any old water bottle, which was very kind of them, but I didn’t want to risk an upset stomach if I drank the wrong drink. Luckily my Aussie mate Terrie who was helping out in the pit area saved the day and I was back on the bike and after those girls who had passed me. I headed back to the finish line as fast as the legs would go. As I headed across the line I expected to be pulled, certain I was losing time on that final lap. However nobody stoped me and all of a sudden I realised I would finish without being lapped. I could say I was grinning from ear to ear, but I was aching all over. I looked at my watch and I had been racing for 2hrs, but there was still one more lap to complete...it was time for a much needed dose of guarana gel to get me back to the finish line.
I finished in 55th place and although not feeling 100% at the start was really pleased with my placing. It was by no means a perfect race, but I never expected it to be, and I have learnt alot from the experience. I also finished with the sorest legs from all the running that was required on this course. I was actually quite annoyed with myself for running the technical traverse, but as I watched world’s number one Julian Absalon dismount and run this section, I felt better. It made me realise that this course tested the world’s best and was certainly a course worthy of a world cup. It also made me realise how much stronger I need to be to race competitively at this level.
I have more racing challenges approaching, more training goals and already plenty to think about for next season. I’m totally hooked on world cup racing. You are tested in so many ways from your physical strength, aerobic fitness and technical skill to the mental and emotional energy that is needed both on and off the race course. I don’t expect huge improvements overnight, but I’m working on it and will keep focusing on the long road ahead to racing at international level.
Many Thanks to my Aussie helpers Garron, Neil and Terrie for all your support and to Mr Potter for ensuring the Cotic Soda was ready to roll. Plus a huge thankyou to the SRAM support in Belgium who made it possible for me to start world cup 1.
Special thanks to –
Cotic – www.cotic.co.uk
Bontrager – www.bontrager.com
A Quick Release Holidays – www.aquickrelease.com
Torq & Torq Australia – www.torqfitness.co.uk
Magura Forks – www.magura.com
Hope – www.hope.com
Skins – www.skins.net
And co-sponsors Crank Brothers, SRAM, Catlike Helmets, Lumicycle, Bigfoot bags, 661 gloves, Sundog eyewear and Purple Extreme Lubricants.
I started to look for the toilet area as pre-race jitters do wonders to my bladder, when I realised my rear mech wasn´t working. I tried to find the problem but didn´t really have my mechanical head on at that moment in time and so rushed off to find Ian. I have this really annoying nasal whine when Ian knows I have done something wrong.....IANNNNNN! Minutes later I was still whining and about to sob. As I was looking for Ian I became more and more disorientated, as well as panic stricken. I was also lost. Half an hour later Mr Potter found me and we rushed off to the SRAM tent as my rear mech had broken, which was my second diagnosis. I actually thought I was just being a numpty and my nerves had brought on ‘forget how to ride your bike’ syndrome. Thank my lucky stars for SRAM who saved the day and replaced the rear mech with a new one....thankyou!
I headed off to my box to wait to be gridded. I was 89th out of approximately 130 riders. There was a chilly breeze as we waited and I was envious of the girls spinning on a turbo who looked much warmer than I felt. It was good to see Jenny Copnall and a few other familiar faces who said a quick hello before moving to their starting booth. Not long after we were called out by number and squashed into the starting area. A couple of girls were pushing each other around and the girl next to me grabbed a girl´s saddle in front and pulled her backwards. The nerves had subsided by this point, but I was feeling slightly groggy and yawning more than I cared for. Soon enough we were let loose and the noise from the crowd was mind blowing. As we took off I felt that this was going to be a slow race for me. The legs didn´t take off and I struggled to make up many places on the tarmac climb. I still felt weary in my eyes, but I hoped the first descent would pump some adrenaline through my body.
Once off the steep tarmac climb the race course began through a pine forest that was fairly wide in places, but there were also sections of single track with slippery roots and muddy bogs that caused havoc in places and forced many a rider from their bike. As expected there were bottle necks as the single track started. Every rider fought for their space. I also found this inner aggression inside me that I had never met before as I stopped other riders from stealing my place, elbows were out and I had to stop myself from growling at one point. I was still on the bike heading into the steep muddy descent, and with the Bontrager Mud X on the front grip was not an issue....but my darn shorts were as I found myself stuck on the back of the saddle and unable to move forward to take on the switch back and large compression at the bottom of the descent. It was a wipe out manoeuvre, and I was eating dirt. I didn’t have time to check bike and body over, as I didn’t like the thought of all the ladies behind me running or riding over me. By this stage all the girls around me were running the next two steep shoots. I had no choice but to run them too. The last one was so steep that it was far more difficult walking down it and I vowed to ride it next time or risk twisting my knee.
I was back on the bike and over taking girls out in front until I found a group of girls who were sitting at a similar pace. The course changed from pine forest to a barren gravel hill side that had some nasty steep sections that were also quite loose in places. Every muscle was forced into action and I was constantly moving around on the bike to ensure I had maximum grip at all times. Then the course changed to my favourite descent, a steep single track section with tight switch backs along the way. There were still girls in front walking their bikes, but I refused to this time and slowed down to ensure I didn’t cause a collision. Once past the nasty rocky off camber corner that sent many a rider into the safety padding, I missed the final switchback and took a sneaky straight line that you couldn’t brake on, you simply held on for dear life. As the trail flattened out there were a couple of large bumps in the ground that slowed you down, before a long horrible and very draggy climb. Now I love challenging climbs but this was truly nasty and sucked every ounce of energy from your already energy-less legs. At the top of the climb you knew it was time to descend down an undulating trail that had gullies to navigate and a slippery corner that could send you into the crowd if your tyres didn’t grip. Then it was back into Houffalize town to the electric roar of the crouds shouting ‘Allez! Allez! Allez!’ That was the second half of the course and the initial starting loop that helped spread riders out.
Another steep tarmac climb later and it was time for a technical traverse that I was riding in practice, but the rain last night and erosion from the thousands of tyre marks, had done substantial damage that I was soon off the bike and running to the top of the rockiest steepest section of the race. There were girls out in front still running with their bikes, but I managed to overtake one of them and make a few places up as I stayed on the bike and carried speed over the bridge. Then it was through the feed and technical zone where I heard Mr Potter screaming encouragement or rather shouting at me to get a move on as there were plenty of women to chase down. Then it was on to the next climb that was a mix of steep technical single track, tarmac and wide open trail before heading through the forest again. It was not just a physically demanding loop, but there were also plenty of technical challenges along the way.
There were still four laps to go and I still didn’t feel quite awake, but was surprised at how many girls I was passing who looked like they had over cooked it at the start. With so many girls racing it was impossible to know where you were placed, but I was always racing the girls I could see out in front. I was also racing myself as the pace was intense and I had to fight off that lazy little voice inside my head that occasionally begs me to ease off the gas. I also had to keep reminding myself to drink those carbs and to stay relaxed and off the brakes. I was also racing the clock because my aim was to finish without being lapped....so many things to think about, but at the same time keeping focused and not allowing any negative thoughts to creep in.
I was on my second last lap and as I headed towards the feed zone I could hear Ian telling me to get a move on or I would not make the 20% cut off point. However a mix up in the feed area lost me some time. I was passed plain water instead of my carb drink. Instead of just getting on with it I stopped. I had people all around me passing me any old water bottle, which was very kind of them, but I didn’t want to risk an upset stomach if I drank the wrong drink. Luckily my Aussie mate Terrie who was helping out in the pit area saved the day and I was back on the bike and after those girls who had passed me. I headed back to the finish line as fast as the legs would go. As I headed across the line I expected to be pulled, certain I was losing time on that final lap. However nobody stoped me and all of a sudden I realised I would finish without being lapped. I could say I was grinning from ear to ear, but I was aching all over. I looked at my watch and I had been racing for 2hrs, but there was still one more lap to complete...it was time for a much needed dose of guarana gel to get me back to the finish line.
I finished in 55th place and although not feeling 100% at the start was really pleased with my placing. It was by no means a perfect race, but I never expected it to be, and I have learnt alot from the experience. I also finished with the sorest legs from all the running that was required on this course. I was actually quite annoyed with myself for running the technical traverse, but as I watched world’s number one Julian Absalon dismount and run this section, I felt better. It made me realise that this course tested the world’s best and was certainly a course worthy of a world cup. It also made me realise how much stronger I need to be to race competitively at this level.
I have more racing challenges approaching, more training goals and already plenty to think about for next season. I’m totally hooked on world cup racing. You are tested in so many ways from your physical strength, aerobic fitness and technical skill to the mental and emotional energy that is needed both on and off the race course. I don’t expect huge improvements overnight, but I’m working on it and will keep focusing on the long road ahead to racing at international level.
Many Thanks to my Aussie helpers Garron, Neil and Terrie for all your support and to Mr Potter for ensuring the Cotic Soda was ready to roll. Plus a huge thankyou to the SRAM support in Belgium who made it possible for me to start world cup 1.
Special thanks to –
Cotic – www.cotic.co.uk
Bontrager – www.bontrager.com
A Quick Release Holidays – www.aquickrelease.com
Torq & Torq Australia – www.torqfitness.co.uk
Magura Forks – www.magura.com
Hope – www.hope.com
Skins – www.skins.net
And co-sponsors Crank Brothers, SRAM, Catlike Helmets, Lumicycle, Bigfoot bags, 661 gloves, Sundog eyewear and Purple Extreme Lubricants.
Friday, April 18, 2008
Houffalize, Belgium World Cup 1.
I promised you all that I would have finished my first UK race report by now. Well I have actually finished it, but I can't find it. Yes Miss Potter is as disorganised as ever. I'm quite frustrated because I was quite proud of this report. So I'm going to keep looking for it, but also let you know that I have alot of racing coming up and travelling and will do my best to write reports and post them when I can.
Right now I'm in Houffalize, Belgium for the first world cup of the 2008 season. The course is great because my Soda rides everything....I simply hang on and giggle. The course has some steep climbing and super steep descents, and even though there has been snow and rain, the course is pretty grippy, just have to watch those darn tree roots. There are some super good riders here, such as world champ Julian Absalon who I tried to chase down, but didn't want to get in his way.
I also raced last weekend in Mutrenz, Switzerland for my first Swiss Power Cup. Fantastic experience and I managed a top ten finish to claim 9th overall. I'm half way through that report so will post it soon....in fact better get on with it as I'm racing every weekend now over the next month so don't want to fall behind in my writing duties.
Cheerios for now
KPxo
Right now I'm in Houffalize, Belgium for the first world cup of the 2008 season. The course is great because my Soda rides everything....I simply hang on and giggle. The course has some steep climbing and super steep descents, and even though there has been snow and rain, the course is pretty grippy, just have to watch those darn tree roots. There are some super good riders here, such as world champ Julian Absalon who I tried to chase down, but didn't want to get in his way.
I also raced last weekend in Mutrenz, Switzerland for my first Swiss Power Cup. Fantastic experience and I managed a top ten finish to claim 9th overall. I'm half way through that report so will post it soon....in fact better get on with it as I'm racing every weekend now over the next month so don't want to fall behind in my writing duties.
Cheerios for now
KPxo
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