posted by :Stuart on Wednesday October 15, 2008

Well, my last race of the season was held this past weekend in Edmonton, Alberta. There was a combination of cyclocross Nationals and a ‘cross UCI race. I got out there on Thursday to see the course a few times and get used to the time difference. After riding the course a bunch and sleeping/eating even more, Saturday morning was the big day. Apparently this year’s Junior field is the strongest it ever has been, and as I learned, people actually set their season’s goals on ‘cross! I certainly was not expecting that, but it’s not like I hadn’t done any preparation, just not quite so much as some of the others I guess! Anyway, I was feeling confident on the line, and got into the fast moving lead group right off the start. With the blistering pace, the group was quickly down to 4 guys. There were 2 from BC, one from Alberta, and me. Of course I was suffering as much as anyone else, but I felt really strong and thought that if it came down to a sprint, which it looked like it would, I would be in contention. I thought this more and more as the laps went on, but on the last lap, going through the technical ravine section, I saw those hopes go crumbling away. It was on the “run-up” that most of us could ride, except for one of the BC guys. For this run-up, you come down the hill into a sharp 180 degree turn and then have to power your way back up. I took the corner wide to get enough of a start to climb it, when the guy running goes to the inside. Okay, I thought and started to pass him on the outside as he ran. It seemed like it would all be fine, but then he cuts right in front of me and I ran into him. I had to stop for enough time to get off and start from a dead stop, and that was also enough time for his teammate to open up a good gap. I tried hard to close it, but the BC guy was just too strong, along with the others from the group. I rolled in with 4th place. I was certainly very pleased with my race and overall effort, but disappointed to have nothing to show for it.

The next day we had a UCI sanctioned race on the same course. I was hoping for a better race than the day before, but that certainly wasn’t the outcome. I think I bent my rear derailleur hanger while warming up, because during the race it kept skipping like crazy! It was driving me insane! After that trouble came the even worse part. Halfway through the course I got a flat tire. I ran as fast as I could to the pit to get a spare wheel, but the Alberta coach, who was helping me out, forgot my wheels at the tent. He gave me another rider’s wheel, but we had some troubles getting it to sit in the dropouts! Eventually he took the bike and bashed it in, but then when I started my chain got sucked down between the cassette and the chain stay. I hauled it out and continued on, to the sound of a mysterious clicking. I finished without ever knowing what it was, coming in 7th place. I was frustrated by all the troubles, but happy because it was still a really fun race. After cooling down I discovered the clicking source. When I took the wheel off, the cassette completely fell off! There was no lockring holding it on! So, I chuckled to myself about all the problems, but I wasn’t too disappointed because I was just out there for some fun anyway. Of course I wanted to win, but that’s life. I did win a prime for being the first one to cross the halfway point of the first lap, so I actually made almost as much money as the winner! So, after all the racing we were pretty tired, and certainly after a long flight back I am now thoroughly exhausted. I wish I could have a jersey to bring home, but maybe next year. Thanks to everyone who wished me luck and for all the support you have given me over my whole season. Now it’s time to take some rest and get ready for a busy season starting next February! I will be sure to keep everyone posted! Thanks for reading!