Stage 1

This stage rolled out from the event centre, the Chifley, in the centre of Alice Springs at 9am. The rain had fallen on Alice from Saturday evening and throughout Sunday meaning that there were some puddles but the trails had drained pretty well so were almost perfect.

We rolled out behind a police escort and there was a bit of jockeying for position in the front quarter of the group, a few surges and slowing kept everyone focused and I'm pretty sure everyone stayed safe. Once the police car had pulled over the racing was on. We were traveling along sand roads that must be used by some pretty heavy trucks as there were some pretty big holes to try and avoid (some of them were unavoidable). We basically followed the railway line and then climbed a small pinch where the track became rockier. Up and over the pinch I managed to overtake a few riders. We crossed the railway line and made our way back along the other side. I had a couple of hairy moments but was pleased to keep it upright.

From there we entered the singletrack which was welcome. I recall pushing fairly hard just happy to sit behind a couple of riders and get used to the trail conditions (lots of loose sharp stones). The stage was advertised as 42kms with a drink station at the 25km point. I had enough water to see me through so I rode through and pushed on. We rode through some lower lying sandy sections then back up to singletrack. I was watching the distance and managing my intake of food but soon enough we popped out onto the road and a lady was directing us off to the right, I was more than surprised to enter the velodrome as I expected to be riding another 7kms to the finish. The team had set up a food station and riders were milling around so I pulled over, only to hear someone shouting from behind that I need to do a lap so off I went.

I was happy to make it through the stage and with my placing. On the way back to the hotel we checked out Anzac Hill in preparation for Stage 2, the hill sprint..