The faster I get, the faster they get.

Last year at Capital Punishment I came 8th in my category. I was only 3 minutes off a podium place. After training pretty intensely for the last few months I knew I was faster than last year, so was hopeful of at least a top 10 again, maybe even top 5 place in my category. My result today was actually 5 minutes faster than last year, but I only placed 14th in my category. So it seems that the faster I get, the faster everyone else is getting! I guess it's a good thing that our sport is getting more popular, people are training more seriously and competition is increasing.

I lined up in the first start wave. My mate pointed out that I was quite possibly the only person in that group with grey hair. Not exactly a big confidence boost.

That road climb to the top of the Arboretum hill was a bit of a shock to the system. Hill climbs are usually my strength, but the pace of our group up the hill was pretty full on. I sat in about 30th position, and when we got to the top I was really surprised to see how fast everyone sprinted off down the firetrail. I wasn't feeling great, a few people passed me, but I headed off at a reasonable pace. The rest of the 14km trip to Stromlo was fine - I didn't feel as fresh as I would have liked, but I generally held my position.

I was glad to get onto the Stromlo singletrack, and the familiarity of the switchback climbs. I felt a bit better and pushed pretty hard to the top. Happy days. I caught a guy at the top and decided to sit behind him for the Skyline/ Luge descent. I felt like maybe I'd be a bit faster if I passed him, but not much, so settled in for the descent. As we got to the start of Luge a couple of guys caught us. They were shouting, but I couldn't tell if they were talking to each other or me... At the pace we were going, bikes clattering and wind whistling, it was hard to hear. Then on one of the bermed corners the guy behind me made his move - "on your right!" - he cut inside me with only millimetres to spare, and I almost ran off the track. I slowed down and called his mate through on the next corner to avoid another near miss. Now if these guys had been Elites coming through I would have happily slowed down and made space, but I felt like the first guy's move was pretty risky, especially since I met him at the bottom and passed him on the next climb. Anyway, no harm done.

Over the next 10-15 kms I think I got a bit complacent. I was a bit fatigued, but not too bad, just settled into a group that I probably should have passed. When two riders passed us I realised I was slacking off so took off after them. Over the last 10km of singletrack I put in a more solid effort, felt pretty good and really enjoyed the ride. My legs felt like one more solid hill effort would result in cramps, so I was a bit tentative but maintained a good pace.

On the criterium track to the finish line a guy jumped onto my back wheel. I knew he was going to draft me them jump out and pass me, and I didn't know if he was in my category. He jumped with 100m to go, got a wheel in front of me but I stood up and gave it everything I had... I think he finished about 2cm in front of me. Must have looked pretty funny - 2 guys sprinting like crazy for 46th place... We had a good laugh about it and shook hands.

So I was disappointed not to get a top 10. But I was faster than last year, had a good day out and no major incidents (just one dropped chain) - so really can't complain. Great race, and I really enjoyed catching up with Tristan, Anthony, Dicko and Doc at the finish line. They all rode excellent 100km races.