NZ MTB Cup Cross Country, Christchurch Cat2

Spending the week in Christchurch leading into the second round we were stoked to have found summer, FINALLY. Weather conditions however took a sharp turn Sunday and the day saw cold southerlies and rain broken up with flashes of summer. With the rain nervs were high wondering if the dry tires would hold up on a track we had never seen in the wet. Rumor had it that it would not turn to mud like Dunedin but more to a slippery greasy surface. The first lap was indeed a little wet, however sticking with the dry tires worked out as the laps following it was back to the dry track we knew from practice laps.

Spectators were out in full force and really supportive it was a great atmosphere.

 

CARL – ELITE MENS

  I was a bit nervous with the weather and having full on dry tires on, but after slipping and sliding a lap it started to dry out fast. I was sitting in 3rd for a few laps behind flying local Brad Hudson and DP Dirk Peters. All I wanted to do was enough win and try save some gas for next week. As Anton Copper caught up yet again, I went with him again I was the only one to be able to go with him and soon opened up a very healthy lead into the decent. Then the locals boosted…Anton was gone and brad was coming back. going on to the last lap I was buggered and really starting to feel the size of the hill, but Dirk and Brad were together and racing hard closing in. once I got to the top of the hill I rolled down and enjoyed the win. hopefully the gas tank will refill asap.

Chch

 

 

 

KATIE - ELITE WOMENS

Bit of a tangle at the start saw me pushed out and off to a bad start taking a bit of time to close gaps and get back up to the front of the field but never quite to Karen Hanlan’s wheel. From here 2nd place it was with Jolanda Neff close behind. A much better performance than Dunedin and staying true to what I am hoping and have been planning for which is getting stronger and stronger each race as the season progresses. Debbie Retief did a great job in the feed zone even with my sudden change of drink plan as I changed to just water and my Enervit gels (with instant boost :) after feeling rather uncomfortable on a stronger drink mix ratio I was trialing for the race. It was also great to have my dad out there supporting me as I am from Christchurch originally I always enjoy my stay here with Dad. Even the dog was supportive who tried chasing me at one point, I was too scared to look just praying dad still had hold of the leash as BRAINS are something unheard of for Alvie the dog.

 

 

Enjoying a recovery day today – with recovery ride follow by Hanmer Springs as the evening plan before heading to Nelson to get the track dialed in for Nationals on Tuesday.