July 7, 2012 - Sun Valley, ID

Cat 1 40-44

Result: 1st

Although this is my fourth consecutive year racing MTB XC Nationals, this year was very, very different from the prior three. The biggest difference was dealing with the uncertainty of coming back to race form in time from the broken ribs and other injuries I sustained only a few months ago. After the injuries, my original goal was really just to be fit enough to lead our team elevation camp, whether I was strong enough to race Nationals or not. I decided I would not commit to racing until I knew I could be at the level I needed to be competitive, which given the relatively short timeline would not be apparent until the final weeks leading into the race.

After the first two weeks of the team camp, and good sensations in those first two races of the season for me, I was ready to give Nationals my best shot. When we pre-rode the newly designed amateur course, I was really pleased with the massive main climb that ascended over 2200 feet up to 8000 ft. in elevation. The descents were a blast, with a combination of smooth, flowing trails and somewhat more technical, pedaling sections. The main climb was divided into an initial fire road segment for the first quarter, then steady, gradual singletrack to the top.

Our race started out relatively smoothly, as took the hole shot, leading the start loop around the venue to avoid any mishaps. We then made our way south along the bike path toward the main climb - Cold Springs Rd. - and as soon as we made the turn and the road tilted up, I went to the front to push the pace. Others seemed content to follow, and as the climb hit the first two steep pitches I pushed harder. I could hear only one rider behind me still, so I really pushed the second steep pitch and kept the pressure on as the fire road section of the climb continued. As it got quiet behind me, I knew I had to gain as much time prior to when the climb turned to singletrack so that I could ride my own rhythm. I turned the corner onto the singletrack part of the climb and allowed myself to look back, noticing that I had established a reasonable gap. I recovered briefly then settled into as hard an effort I knew I could sustain until the top, having pre-ridden the climb three times the week prior.

As I crested the top of the climb feeling strong and satisfied that I gave a solid effort, Wayne Gorry handed me a bottle (thanks, Wayne!) and reminded me that I had a big gap and to just descend smoothly. I got into the flow, and knew immediately that all systems were go. I exited the eight mile segment of mostly descending singletrack and hit the final climb of our course, wringing out any last drop of power I had left in my legs.

As I crested the final hilltop, ready to descend the switchback-filled River Run trail to the finish, I mentally focused on being smooth, safe and conservative, not needing to take risks on the loose lower section of the descent. As I came to the final technical rock waterfall drop, I set up for the smooth line, shifted my weight back and rolled down it for the last time. Rounding the corner into the finish area, I heard announcer Larry Longo blasting my name over the PA, and the emotions and relief came over me as I crossed the line, arms up, so thankful to have come back from a broken body to a National Title.