Auckland Grammar Secondary School Seires Race 3 (Whitford)

From past experiences I knew Whitford was going to be a tough race. I wasn't disappointed. The combination of another Jon Hasler (Race Organiser) course with recent rain, led to a 5km circuit capable of unsettling any rider.

I knew this race was going to have some tough competition. From the start Jake Craggs, Owen Chang and Hayden Schuurman put me under alot of pressure with a 1km sprint up the forestry road. By the time I hit the single track into the forest my legs were already burning, with Jake hot on my tail. And he did not let up. I just could not shake him.

Half-way through the second lap I'd managed to get a slight lead. Taking a slippery downhill corner with too much speed resulted in a "close encounter" with a tree - and I came off second best. While I picked myself up off the track, Jake flew past. Now the chase was on!

I rapidly discovered that Jake is one determined young man! As hard as I tried, I just could not reel him in - leaving 18 seconds between us at the end. Awesome effort Jake - great racing. Even more impressive considering that he is not at secondary school yet.

 Big thanks to Jon Hasler and his crew for another great racing event.

PS. Thanks to the ambulance crew for tending to my bruised body and ego.