What I did at SSWC 2010

Mello Velo
Photo: Helen Brumby

What an amazing opportunity. A World Champs in New Zealand, that I didn't have to qualify for! It was my only reason to see in the new year - tickets went on sale at midnight. I remember sitting there, enduring a few technical glitches (overloading), and loading up my credit card with the entry fee and a few extra souvenirs.

What an amazing event. I had originally planned to make a week of it with the family, but circumstances changed and my big riding holiday was whittled down to one night away. I chose wisely and decided to forgo the so-called "compulsory" briefing on Friday night. The briefing essentially instructed competitors to be responsible with their irresponsible drinking.

Te Little Whaka

Photo: Helen Brumby

I did the Whaka 25km short course last Sunday. Conditions were good - a little bit chilly, but not cold and with grey clouds overhead a reminder of the threat of rain later in the day. Preparation was poor - not much riding in the weeks prior and a 'just-in-time' approach to getting to the race start.

I arrived on the start line cold, but relaxed. I almost felt like I shouldn't have been there and would have been better off staying home. I certainly didn't feel like racing. It was a small turnout for the 25km course and I didn't have any trouble with the pace off the start line, except that I started too hard for my cold legs and idle brain. I soon felt flat (got passed on a climb like I was going backwards) and had to ease off the pace to find my rhythm. I found it about 10 minutes later but the speed never came back.