NVDC 2012

[Carl Sanders]

The stage was set for a good race day: our new kit, a full team photo before the start, perfect sunny weather, tacky trail conditions and a deep field of talented local racers amassed for battle. My fitness was in-line for later season peaks at Boggs and Terrible Two.  This was to be my early season perfromance test.

Expecting the high intensity of a relatively short XC race, I psyched up for the fast start; attempting to explode up the first climb, I charged ahead, pulling a clean line outside the pack toward the first single track slot, slipping into the top ten riders and then scrambling up the muddy run-up. Out across the flats past the air port, I pushed harder to pick off a few more riders.

This early enthusiasm came with a price; my heart was pounding out Zone 5 rates, I was gasping for air, my eyes crossed, then Shiloh and a few other riders rode past as we entered the the big whoop-de-do's. Sure enough, on the final whoop, with my focus less than sharp, I nearly collided with a rider in front who had bumbled on a bad line climbing out. We tangled and both pushed our rides out of the hole. 

It seems I may have 'popped' early in the game. Never could quite recover and find a groove on the rest of the course. Instead, I backed off a notch or two, resolving to gain control and find a sustainable pace. Rhythm was elusive. 

Still feeling strong, I powered up the final climb back to the airport, gaining a few lost positions, finishing alone on the final lap around the track in 4th place with 1:36 in suffering to measure the season ahead.

XC racing at it's best!

[Ryan Gibson]

Well done Carl, and good for you to find the limit...it takes a lot of motivation to through it all in and see what happens.