21.05.08 - Rim Riding in Sendai
Ken, Yu and I flew to Sendai two days before the race, ready to race in any weather. We weren't sure what it would be like, but we were prepared. I was expecting Sendai to be a small town, but was surprised to see it was a very big city. It was nice and sunny. The race site was up in the hills in a very nice area. We had time to see the track before dark. What a great track! After one lap we wanted to do more, but the track closed.
That night it rained a lot, so it was time to test the Bontrager Jones MudX on the course. The track was even more fun in the wet! Especially with these tyres. They're amazing. Ken, Yu and I had a lot of fun. But it was very cold, so we quickly rushed back to the hotel to get dry and warm. I was excited to experience a bath at an Onsen for the first time. It was very relaxing. And Italian food in Sendai was good, so we were happy.
Sunday morning we arrived at the race, eager to start. The earlier racers didn't look muddy, so we decided to run dry tyres. The weather was perfect. Not too hot, not too cold. So we warmed up on the road and got to the start line just in time. I was expecting a very fast start. Because all the riders must be in top form for next week's Olympic selection race. And it was fast. Tsujuira and Yamamoto led it out, with Ken and Kazuhiro following. I was moving back in the field, having problems putting my foot in the pedal. After a few sections I started to catch up again. After one lap I was close to the leaders again.
Everything was going well and I was making time on the climbs and feeling good. And the singletracks were so much fun! Then suddenly I punctured before a corner and then crashed hard and went over the bars, with my bike flying into the bushes. It happened very fast. After finding my bike in the bushes I got back on. But my bars were twisted and I hurt my knee and wrist. I thought my race was over. I got back on and tried to slowly ride to the finish. By the time I got there I started to warm up again and could see Kazuhiro and Ken. I realised I still had a chance at a top 5. So I kept going.
After lap 4 of 6 I was feeling good. A good change from the last race. So I tried to just enjoy it. Then my rear tyre started to go down again. It was slow, so I tried to ride faster to get to the finish sooner. There were three riders a couple of minutes behind. I didn't want them to catch me, so I rode hard. With one lap to go I had no air left and tried not to crash or break my rim. The crowd helped me along and I made it to the end in 6th. My Bontrager rim held up fine. No dents or damage. They must be built tough!
So Yamamoto has come back from France with good form. With Ogasawara holding off Tsujuira for second place. Onodera and Kazuhiro followed. I'm learning how to race in Japan now. Start fast, climb well, descend smoothly, and don't make mistakes. They seem basic, but it takes a while to remember. Yawatahama next week has 80 percent singletrack, with lots of roots. So I'm hoping for some form there. But all riders will be out to win, with an Olympic team spot up for grabs.
The Sendai race was really well organised once again. So far it seems that Japanese know how to organise great races. Every aspect of the race was great. And thanks to Masaru and Chie for their hard work all weekend. Trek's team support rules!
