That being said- I find XC Mountain Bikers in South Africa to be a special crowd. Among all the nerves and gitters, a large group gathered on the sunny Friday afternoon to enjoy and support a team aspect of the sport. I was part of the KZN Team comprised of Burry Stander (Specialised Factory Racing), Kyle Dorkin (Ellsworth) and Travis Walker (Jeep). Myself included, many saw this as an opportunity to experience what a lap of the track at race pace feels like. Thinking this was a superb idea at the time, I set off at a hot pace in pursuit of Louis Bresler-Knipe who was racing for the Western Cape Team. Needless to say, he disappeared from sight. Maybe one day....  

1km in, I began to wish that I hadn't opted for the race pace lap. Lungs were on fire, legs were burning and I felt as if i was going to swallow my heart. However, i learnt that in order to perform the following day, I was going to need a solid, robust warm up, and to establish a good rhythm early on. 

Race day dawned, and once again i arose to the pitter patter of rain on the roof. That joke is getting stale now! Although I do realize that it develops a huge amount of mental strength. You can never have enough of that in this game. 

During my warm up, the sun came out from behind the clouds- always a reassuring sign:) Confident in my preparation, i made my way to the start line where I joined my team mate Ashleigh Parker-Moffatt who was looking ready to go as always. I always find it strange how the second the gun fires, all previous thoughts, emotions and nerves seem to suddenly disappear with that piercing bang. All that matters is the task that lies ahead..

Feeling strong and fresh, I zoomed my way through the first lap with much focus and speed. Unfortunately, speed became my enemy when it caused my front wheel to wash out from beneath me on a steep, dusty bank near the end of the lap. I hit that ground so suddenly, that the sheer shock of it all took my breath away, and I found myself gasping for air. I managed to collect myself and pick up the pieces within a few moments. After straightening my handlebars, I mounted my BMC and proceeded onward, feeling as dizzy and confused as if i had just come off a roller coaster. The next few laps for me felt as if i was fighting a losing battle. My body was bruised, as well as my confidence, which was a challenge to deal with. Pace and rhythm were two things i searched for, but failed to find, as I found myself stopping and starting to mend and patch up the effects of my fall. It was one of those frustrating races, where you know you have the condition to perform, but circumstances prevent you from doing so. I must add though, that somehow, from somewhere, I found a sense of rhythm on my final lap. Exhausted and covered in dust and blood, I was delighted to see the finish line, which I had dreamed of crossing for a while now. 

Adding to the bonus of crossing the line, I managed a first place in the U23 category, with Ashleigh Parker Moffatt close behind. More importantly though, I learnt some valuable lessons about fighting back after a setback. It is a painful process, but one that every athlete needs to endure in order to be a champion one day. I was also reassured of the strength of my support structure- The BMC-SA Team. Thank you for your endless ongoing encouragement and help. Johann- You are a star, and I look forward to working with you. Philip- Thanks for the laughs, I needed them:)

The BMC Team had a "stomping" weekend, with red, black and white splashed over almost every category's podium! Keep working at it. Its only the beginning of a long season in which you will all be successful- I just know:)

Im flying home today, back to the green hills of KZN, where more XC racing is to follow. Giba Gorge UCI Cat 2 race takes place in Hillcrest next weekend. Im hoping for the best. It will be an exciting week, as my new BMC Fourstroke has arrived and I am DYING to test it out! 

Cherio for now