Race Report: Idaho I

Xterra Northwest Cup

1st

2:26:32

I should have shaved. Shit. I should have shaved.

No one was insight behind as I came undone at the seams over the last descent with little more than a 50m short upward dig and coast in. How could it be? I’ve spent hours day dreaming, hours fantasizing in training, hours debating why it could, but always why it shouldn’t yet.

And suddenly, there it is. An international race tape with Xterra on it yet unbroken. Sweet as. Sweet like the lemon. I got the hold the mike and stand in the middle. And I liked it.

Must have swallowed an American gallon (still unsure how much that is) of the waves that had 45miles of lake to build momentum on during the 1500m chili like a lily swim pushed on by Craig Evans and Seth Wealing. I’d been dropped towards laps one’s end, following my own stubbornness of a line in the tricky sighting. But soon made it back on,  but missed the split to the front three now including Christine Jeffrey’s.

Ran up the stairway to T1 as hard as I could, hoping like a boy asking her on a first day - with all one has - that I’d make it onto the Stoltz magic train this time. I did, and soon had the magic spell dotting stars on the inside of my Specialized Helix Glasses. But I managed to stick, going 40km/h on trail, having to trust Stoltz’s line and judgment. But then there is not a rider I would trust more. Again, I learnt a few tricks of the trade in the two-thirds lap I locked on for.

Stoltz pulled over, and suddenly I went from “just hang, just hang”, to “come on kid, pick up yourself”. As I couldn’t imagine a tire cut, I thought it was a burp and that a quick CO2 fill would have Stoltz closing fast. And even on the run, I kept thinking he’d have the last word. But fuelled by opportunity I built a 2min30 lead after lap one and 5min into T2 (only heard this after).

It was an experience riding up front: Had three incidents while on Stoltz wheel. Luckily he was looking up. The closest: A mother and four kids were walking a trail as we came cruising round. Stoltz shouted, the mother dived for safety, and the kids did knee lifts on the spot with hands on their heads screaming.

But trying to pass back markers as the first rider was a mare. I assume they assume its just another slower guy wanting to edge by, when convenient, as opposed the race leader going twice their speed. I’d call for track, and they’d start chatting from the front…

The trail was too fast, too furious, and made for more excitement than I thought it would in pre-riding. Corners full tilt just are different, and I enjoyed the test of nerve and watts.

Running out along the lake on technical footing in my Puma Complete Racer, just a meter or two above the water’s lapping, I felt the best I have off the bike since 08. The few good days in Truckee were in the bag, but would it be enough? It’s a little more exciting running for first than fourth… Something I should look into more often I reckon.

Anyhow, long and the short, Mike Vine and Josiah Middaugh were absent and Stoltz had a very unlucky fluke nail go through tire and rim. Someday I’ll break the tape when all are assembled, but for now, this will do. I’m on the board.

All told it was a 4minute winning margin, but I knew nothing of it till after. Nicolas Lebrun from France was in second, and Seth Wealing in third. Congrats to Mel McQuaid for the 4th Cup win.

I’ll try use this as more of a stepping stone than a milestone.

But since it might not happen again for a while: Biggest thanks to all who make living the dream possible. From the dreamGivers and mySupport, Gary and Gia in Truckee, family and friends back home, who have to put up with plenty admin, its all not possible without you. And I hope you’re share in my excitement for this one.

P.S. - My clippers broke. I’ll replace them soon.

Categories: News

Tags: News, Race Reports, Xterra, Xterra Northwest Cup

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