2012 Fling

I was really looking forward to this event after a good preparation and having crossed the finish line in 2011 feeling like a million dollars. Training schedule had been tweaked from previous races which seemed to work well and was hoping for a decent improvement on last years time. Of course there was the last minute nerves when broke the rear derailler hanger on friday night doing some last minute tinkering, but all sorted with some great nobmob support.

Lined up at the start with Brian and Steve and Mike and got safely past the crash at the front on the way to the gate. It is always a little jittery the first minutes with so many riders ducking and diving around. I tried to settle and the heart rate was racing, while the front of the pack was getting out of range and I did not want to push any harder. In all the first stage was pretty smooth and got to Wingello just a little behind schedule.

Off into the Wingello section with the aim to keep the pace at the right level, but I thought this is the chance to catch up a bit. The group that I picked up with seemed to be going a little on the slow side but there wasnt much in it. Jumped off the front for the single track and had a nice clear run through the first section. Seems I almost know most of the corners now on this track ! The hills were a different thing though. While my times suggested differently, I didnt feel strong on the climbs and seemed drop off rather than pick off other riders. The plan was to not to dig to deep and catch them up again at or just after the crest, but the power just didnt seem to be there. At about the 60k mark I was working hard to pick up a group ahead when first big hamstring cramp took hold. I had pushed for several minutes to get within 50 metres of them and was then disappointed to see them disappear while I couldnt turn a pedal.

Back to Wingello transition again and topped up with water. I had slipped a few more minutes behind schedule but all I could think about was how good I felt for the final leg in last years race and I was hoping all would come good this time as well. But it was not to be as the last stage was just plain old hard work this year. I had chased ps down from transition and caught up at the private property but soon after I seized up with a cramp and had to stop and wave goodbye. From then on I had to try really hard not let the spirits or pace fall away. Got a surprise in the last km when Steve01 called out from behind and finally crossed the finish line absolutely wrecked.

In all was good to improve on last years time if by only a marginal amount, but I also know it should have been better. I had a long taper to training which is not usual for me and I am not sure it worked. Reckon I also stuffed up with water and nutrition in the middle part of the race and paid the price.

Congrats to the rest of the riding bunch with some really good results and thanks for sharing in the camaraderie of another good Fling !