30.01.08 - Nationals back at Stromlo

XC

Nationals this year was different to last year, yet the same. It was at Stromlo again. It was hot and dusty again. And it wasn't a good XC race, but with a solid short track. Last year I was overly tired for the XC, this year I was undertrained and injured. I was feeling fresh and sharp for the weekend, then a week before the race, I broke my rib in practise. My bars twisted and went straight into my ribs at high speed. Or I should say I went into my bars. From there it went downhill. Cramps in the last 2 laps of the XC race kept me from pushing anyway. I managed 6th, after completely stopping on the last climb and letting 3 riders past. Not a fun day.

ST

But the crowd, the crack, weather, and general atmosphere on the day of the short track was some compensation. CORC put on another great weekend of racing. I'll try again next year.