The XC Nationals in Canmore were pretty fricken awesome on saturday. The course was built for fitness freak’s as it climbed 250 m vertical per lap. There were alot of fitness freaks on the start line.
I rode a steady race and watched the fireworks go off around me as riders blew themselves into outer orbit. The race was alot shorter then I’m use to at just over 30 km but this we made up for in intensity. The first 4 laps I rode at sustainable pace but when there were 5 of us all within 20 seconds of 4th place on the last lap the dog fights began. Once the dust settled I found myself curled over my bike trying to fight off leg cramps and gasping for oxygen as I savoured my 7th place result.
I was pretty stoked with the ride as I haven’t been in a National level competition in 3yrs and wasn’t too sure what to expect. Apparantly the top 7 riders will be selected for the National team to head to the World Championships in September. I am an extreme long shot given this is the only selection race I have attended. Probably a 2% chance. Next season this could make for a good challange.
Right now its off to Canmore for the 24 hr Solo Canadian Championships. This one has been on my hit list since pulling out of World’s last yr with a severely obliterated mind and soul. With the winner getting a trip to 24hr Worlds in Australia the motivation won’t be a problem…
The Race action this weekend starts at 12pm Saturday afternoon. Check out the link to follow live updates!
Great work Cory! I had a lot of fun watching you and Matt battle it out. Good luck with 24hrs.