Adelaide xc .

I raced the first round of the National xc series in Adelaide on Saturday.



The race was at the purpose built MTB Park at Eagle Hill. The park is the best MTB facility i have ridden in Australia. The trails are well made with a natural fun feel. The xc track had everything. It climbed from the start then went into a series of jumps and then into a long flowing section of single-track, some fast undulating single-track then ending with a long decent and short climb back to the finish.

Having flown in on the day i didn't have a chance to pre ride the course. With the course drying out from the overnight and morning rain i was looking forward to the race. After a good warm up i started on the last row. Heading up the first climb i was sitting on Sid's wheel in the top 15. When the opportunity to pass came Sid jumped hard and i tried to go with him. I made up a few places but was been held up in the single track. Then the rain came again making sections of the track quite difficult. I pulled away on the riders behind but was unable to catch the ones in front. With one last effort i chased hard on the last lap only to stray slightly off line entering the single-track with 5km to go slashing the rear tyre. I kept riding with it going down, gassing it when it got too flat and loosing a place just before the finish line. I managed a top 10 finish which is a good start.

Packing my bike and washing it for the flight home, the pouring rain couldn't wipe the smile off my face as that was one of the best xc tracks i have ever ridden/raced.