16.01.06 - National Champs & Comm Games Qualifier 2:
XC
It was good to get back to Mt Beauty, a favourite for many riders. Being a great place to hang out, it's easy to be relaxed and just enjoy the events they hold. But the XC and Short-Track Nationals were going to be tough, so there couldn't be too much stuffing about. It was hot and dry all week, so that was going to put pressure on us all to prepare well and do the right things, especially with 2 days of racing on.
The track was awesome, with plenty of climbing, twisting singletrack, and a fast, flowing descent. It was obvious it would get rougher as the weekend went on too. Off the start it was pretty tame, until Delacour copped a bar from Farley and went down hard. I missed his bike by centimetres and moved up to 7th by the end of the start loop. From there I just rode with a group of Lewis, Norris and Frendo working to catch the front group. The front runners were too quick though. We just battled for a top 5 and to finish strongly. By the 4th lap I was in 4th, but lost a couple of spots when I had to stop and fix a slow leeking tyre. It was a quick fix, but enough to lose contact with the guys I was with. Lewis and Frendo were descending well, so I couldn't afford to lose sight of them.
Overall I was lacking power and couldn't get it kicking on the climbs, something you can't afford to do in those conditions. In the end I battled to finish 6th - the same results as last year's Nationals, so I wasn't overly impressed. It would've been nice to feel good and ride strong.
ST
The Short Track was the most fun race I've had in while. With a 1min track in and around the race village there was a great atmosphere. Having a title up for grabs got a few riders keen. Off the start it was Chris, Sid, Millburn and I, with a second group chasing hard. After a few laps Chris attacked and we all hesitated. After working on front for a while I noticed Sid was playing it cool working (blocking) for Chris. It was early days, so we tempo'd the laps to reel him in, but instead he pulled away and we were racing for second. Sid waited till the right time later on and made his attack count, with nobody wanting to give chase. So I went after him, the other guys strung out behind. So after a few laps out on my own I started to fade and Winn, who had looked strong all race, stayed with me. I attacked with two laps to go, held him off till the finish straight, then he came around me too fast, almost getting Sid in the process.
It was great to see an event like this held and run well. The XC and the ST were a huge success and Team Mt Beauty have maintained their reputation for challenging and fun races. It would've been nice to have the DHers there to add to the atmosphere, but their Nationals is next weekend at Thredbo. The next XC is at Buller then Oceanas in Rotorua, NZ.
Check out full results at www.nationalseries.com.au