SA Nationals - George

Well the National championships have come and gone for another year and I must say that I am disappointed with the outcome.  Last week I was in a bit of trouble with doing a bit too much training, but that turned out all right. I tapered correctly and arrived in George feeling strong after the long 12 hour drive. We went down as a Life in Motion team and enjoyed a good few laughs along the way. On Friday we went to check out the track and it was very different to anything I'd ever raced on. The course was extremely tough and physically taxing, not only on the legs, but on the entire body. Very bumpy and with a few drops thrown in for fun. 

The pace off the start was extremely fast. As I was seeded first, I had a good line (or so I thought) on the left hand side. I decided to ease the pace in the beginning to compensate for the extra lap that we had to do. This was a terrible mistake I never quite recovered from, although I did learn from. I was fourth into the first piece singletrack, and the two leaders had darted away. I needed to get past Adriaan Louw to chase them down, and when his gears jumped midway through the first lap, I darted off and ran past, only to get knocked down by him coming past again. We both fell, and about 5 guys went past. Then, on the last stretch of gravel road before the start/finish, I tried to overtake again, only to be brought down hard by some guy who was not paying attention. I hit the deck for the second time in the first lap and this time the bike was a bit messed. I rode into the start/finish with bent handlebars and stopped to adjust a few things. Now I was about 12th or so, way back. I must admit that I felt like giving up right there and then. It was clear that things were not going my way. 

But I needed to points, so I clawed slowly back, chasing and passing guys constantly. Little things started to irritate me, like not drinking consistently after concentrating too hard in the beginning, and a quick release popping loose twice. At the end of the six laps, I felt really strong, and actually wanted a few more laps to make up some more places. I ended up 5th, and quite happy with what I salvaged out of a terrible first lap. I learnt heap loads, and things that will only make me faster in time. 

My teammate Travis Walker had a solid ride, finishing 6th, just behind me. Huge thanks to Johann Wykerd for an awesome weekend and to the entire Life in Motion team for an unforgettable experience. 

This week I am doing some local races, getting ready for the nationals and then worlds in 'maritzburg in the holidays. On a brighter note, two weeks left of school and then the World Cup is on us! Till then...