Mountain Biking race (Haenertsburg Classic) 4:38:51 [4] 80.17 km (17.3 kph) +1896m
slept:4.0 weight:75kg shoes: Specialized Epic Comp 2006
0800 - Woke up very early this morning for the 3 hour drive to Haenertsburg to participate in the Mazda Drifter series race. I said last year that it was the toughest on the calendar... and it still is. Only problem is I'm not fit at the moment. I started well, sitting behind the first lady for 20km before she had a severe crash. I kept up a decent pace (surprisingly) but started to feel it on the big climb up the Wolkberg (800m) to the 40km mark. I blew shortly afterwards, at about 45km and was wondering how I was ever going to finish the remaining 35km. However, managed to get to the Iron Crown (highest point at 1950m) and the short steep downhill to the next water point where I availed myself of as many bananas as possible. The remainder of the ride was flatter, but still mentally tough. I recovered, but decided to 'cruise' rather than race it. Finished in 29th position. I guess I must have been up near 16th before I blew though. Poor turnout, I presume word has got around that the course designer is an adventure racer. Av 17.3 Mx 65.8
Mountain Biking warm up/down 15:00 [1] 3.0 km (12.0 kph)
shoes: Specialized Epic Comp 2006
Short warm-up ride with Tweet, Rob and James.