Maxxis Cup 1 - Gouveia, Portugal
From left to right, Ragot, Atherton, Moseley
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Well it's that time of year again, race reports and trips from one airport to another !! It's amazing how quickly the winter goes, however having spent the entire winter in the UK apart from a trip skiing I was really looking forward to some sun, and Portugal did not disappoint ! It was so nice to feel some sun on my legs and feet !
The track was very similar to last year, fast, loose and rocky. I started the weekend off well, going straight over the bars on the first run after my foot slipped off the pedal at an inconvenient moment. Fabien had told me off for not pre scratching my brand new helmet, as he believes that will stop you crashing in it…..maybe his theory is right !! However there was no damage done, just the first of my usual collection of bruises !! The rest of the day went well and I was gradually getting back up to speed. The following day's practice was also going well until a gust of wind caught me as I was jumping the road gap jump at the finish and the next thing I knew I was going through the air at a rather bizarre angle. Unable to get it back straight I ended up landing and washing out, landing on my shoulder and head and ending up in the finishing banners !! That one did hurt and I had a pretty sore neck and back for the rest of the weekend.
Race day came and fortunately the wind had died down. I rode pretty consistently setting a time of 2.29 in both my first and second run. It was good enough to take first in the first round, but both Rachel Atherton and Emmeline Ragot went faster than me in the second round, 2.26 and 2.27, respectively leaving me to round out the podium in 3rd. I was satisfied with my result as I was definitely not feeling 100% after my crash and I am still not up to speed yet. However it was a good motivation for my training and riding for the next few weeks.
Next stop is a trip out to Nice to do a photoshoot and some training with Fabien.
Tracy
The DH race course
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