After the mud-fest of last weekend, I was elated to be back in southern California.  The weather was clear and cool with one of the best courses in SoCal.  A perfect day for cross racing – SoCal style!

I was a little worried about my form today as I had a really tough week with training and the distraction of the holiday.  All the training had me tired, but I am trying to get the edge back for the state championships in two weeks.  I had a pretty bad start today off the line, but I was able to hammer hard and quickly get back up to the front.  By the end of the first lap, I was leading with a few strong guys with me.  One of the guys beat me at our last meeting so I wasn’t taking it lightly.  He blew by me in the sand-pit and although I fought hard to stay with him, he eventually peeled me off and went on to win – commandingly. 

I held 2^nd for most of the race until the 3^rd place guy caught me with about a lap to go.  I jumped on his wheel and held tight – knowing that I have a pretty good final sprint.  As we rounded the curve and hit the pavement for the final sprint, I missed a gear and he got about 2 bike lengths of a gap on me - the race was on.  We were both out of the saddle hammering with all we had.  I caught him and moved out of his draft to overtake him, but it was too late.  We crossed the finish line with him about half a wheel in front of me.  It was exciting to say the least and I go home with a 3^rd place podium finish.  Considering how I felt, I am happy with the finish and I look forward to our next meeting in 2 weeks.  I am now the points “leader” of the series, albeit with a bad taste in my mouth.

Fion was back in action taking the excellent photos that we are accustomed to:


Podium group hammering through the sand.

The barriers – cruelly placed immediately after the nasty sandpit ;)

Sandpit – Final lap

Final sprint – Close but no cigar!

Podium!