Solid Start to 2014

Well after a number of solid months training, there is always some trepadation for the first 'real' race of the season.

Having been in preparation for the 2014 Cape Epic, I knew I was fit and had some form leading into the race - so expectation was high, especially for a good overall and category result. This was the last 'tune up' before I headed overseas.

The Capital Punishment is a race that doesn't really suit my riding style, with no major climbs, and a big break in the middle, the race is really like a couple of XC races joined together. With this in mind, over the last month Ant at Pepper Coaching has thrown a few Club XC races into the training mix, to help with my speed and intensity for these faster races.

The 2014 Capital Punishment was FAST ! The conditions were perfect, the single track in perfect condition, and with a stacked field across all categories, competition was fierce. I knew I had my work cut out for me with Mat Rizutto, Minter, Tony Rice all very fast competition, getting on the podium was going to be a challenge.

As always getting into a good position at the start was critical. I was about 3rd row back, with elites up front, with Minter and Garry James close by. With the first 5km of mainly fire trail, I managed a good position, and entered the single track with young Tristan. We rode fast and smooth until we approached Sparrow Hill, and then I noticed my saddle bag had come loose, the next thing I know it was jammed between the rear stays and the back wheel. I stopped to fix/collect it, and watched as another 20 riders went flying past. What I have learnt over the summer is not to worry, calm down, put your head down and get back on that horse. I did that and slowly chipped away over the next 10km's to regain my position in the field.

At this stage, I had caught up to Jenny Fay, Garry James and Paul Morgan - all leading their respective categories. This was great as these are all solid riders, and I knew they would keep up the pace. We basically rode together, swapping turns for the next 40km until we approached the untimed zone. About 5km out, just before the military zone and Majura pines, I turned it up a notch just enough to get a small gap on the group and bank some time before the second half of the race.

Coming into the untimed zone, I was trying to work out where I was placed. Based on who I knew was ahead (and behind) of me I figured I was 2nd or 3rd in my category. With that we rallied a few troops (Tristan and Mike , Doc from the SXC Racing crew), to embark on the second leg. On starting we soon worked out that we were all slightly different pace, resulting in a solo effort all the way to the base of Stromlo, where finally I had a descent climb. I hit the climb hard, knowing it was only 20mins of pain until it was all over. It was here I was feeling good and kept pushing not really knowing who was a head or behind. Passing lots of familiar faces, I knew I was doing well relative to the others around.

I crossed the line with a great time, knocking almost 11mins of my previous best, and ending up with 3rd in my category. Surprisingly, the 1st placed Master (Mat Rizutto) came 9th overall with a smashing 3hrs 30mins. So all in all, I was pleased with my race and progress, stayed calm during some minor adversity, raced smart, and pushed when I needed to - lots of things to learn and apply for the upcoming races. Still a lot of work to do to catch the elites but life was meant to be easy.

Some special mentions - great effort to the guys at AROC who set the course and course markings, it was probably the best marked race course that I had ever raced on. Minter, a great ride to take 2nd and 13th overall, well done mate, an Elite effort. Great rides by all the SXC Racing crew, some personal bests, and solid efforts - great to see everyone out in the new kit !

Ant (Pepper Coaching) all the advice and race strategy, I really do feel like I am ready to race now. Finally, thanks to Northside Cyclery and Specialized for getting my bike ready to race, after few wheel mishaps in the week leading into the race.

Next week , I am off to South Africa, for the Absa Cape Epic - stay tuned for all the action on twitter @SXC_Racing and sxcracing.com