Auckland Endura series race 1 (Woodhill) 2013

I've been really busy lately finishing off the rugby season and since it finished only a few weeks before this race I decided that I would just do it to see how I compared to other riders at the start of this race season.

After 2weeks of waiting I was keen to get going (the break had reinvigorated me more than I knew) and was finally going to see how I would do against others. Surprisingly I was not scared/nervous at all - in fact I felt really relaxed about it.

Arriving at Woodhill, it only took a few minutes to get my gear ready (only the bare basics for a puncture, etc). Then I was off to get registered, meeting up with friends that I haven't seen for months and seeing all the other eager racers. It didn't take too long before everyone was lining up at the start line. As the start bell was rung, all the racers jumped off quickly except for me. I was just happy to slowly weave my way through past the slower people, conserving energy and getting a feel for the pace.

I was doing that for almost half of the race until I had found the perfect speed until around the 14km mark as I caught up to fellow Jafa rider Jess.  She was going at a brilliant speed so I decided to hook in behind her.  This allowed me to gain some energy back and preserve that for later.  At one point she tried breaking away from me but I told her "just save your energy, you will need it for the end". Thankfully she eased back and carried on with her great pace.  I could tell she was already very tired and I didn't want her to burn out to early - she was already well ahead of her competition.
 jess getting a lil ahead of me

Jess and I got to the 2nd to last trail (which was about 3km from the finish) still together, and I was feeling really good.  I decided that I would make my move now and see if I could get further in the field.   As I was passing I could sense that Jess wouldn't stay with me - she was too tired. I felt really bad that I had pushed her that hard but I wanted to finish the race as best I could.

 

As was coming down the last hill of the race, only about 300meters ahead was Harriet Beaven (Endura sponsored racer and fellow Jafakid).  This was a challenge! Harriet's one quick lady.

Beginning to sprint I thought I could catch her. After about 30seconds of sprinting I was 5meters from the finish line and was only a bike length from her, and she knew I was there!  Crossing the finish line I was so close to beating the under 19 girls winner. It was awesome.

Laying my bike on the ground we all began sharing stories with each other.  It was great hearing what others had thought of the race track and other things. Not long after Jess crossed the finish line looking really pleased and winning the under 17 girls category.  Massive congrats Jess and Harriet.

At prize giving there was lots of laughter and smiles everywhere. Great atmosphere, great race. I really really enjoyed getting back on my bike and going hard and finishing with a solid 6th place in the under 17s.

My next race will be down in Rotorua doing the Giant 2W - a fun race with some mates which I can not wait for. 

Thanks R&R sport for still supporting me while I had that break for rugby, it's good to be back on the bike.