Sunday, February 24, 2013

ABR 2013 - Day 1

...was definitely harder than last year. The course was similar to day 2 or 3 but very wet.

The prologue through the city was as crazy and longer it felt; some narrow streets, some side walks, big streets and obstacles here and there and 670 riders it was pretty fun. Made it from dead last (mix got the honour of start gate 7) to a pretty ok position by the time the race was official but most important than position we did it safely. Saw Shawn and Scott for a short bit until they blew by us on the road climb.
It felt pretty good and I think Jon and I had a pretty good position with only the world champ team which I have yet to even have seen in front of us. After the first major climb we got back down to the river after some hike a bike down a river ravine, from there we hung on some big Norwegian guy and a group that held great pace. Though with a group it's not always easy to pick your line and as we flew through a puddle a rock pinched Jon's front and off the train we were. We obviously didn't have a huge lead as it was early in race so several team flew buy. Got a tube in and on our way. Hard to see people in front you worked so hard climbing to stay ahead and now you gotta do the same over again.
Went through feed 1 with no needs. Got some great cheers as we started climbing again; family been waiting for a while. Thanks for cheering, cleaning of bikes and some photos to share.

From there to feed 2 there is a lot of up and down and great trail. It felt long to feed to where we would need to stock up on drink and some tubes and co2. My garmin I forgot to turn on and so it was no good, just had to ride until it showed up. We stopped reloaded and after this it went a bit tougher. We made it to the finish with no mixed teams passing and no more flats so that's a bonus and 4th is totally ok with a very strong field. 335 total time and not to far to second or third. First spot is a bit of a class difference :)

Tomorrow similar day; bit longer and bit more elevation.

Happy Riding!

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