I’m sure all of us have experienced the fact that regardless of taking all the necessary measurements, and making sure you prepare as best as possible for a race something can always happen. Usually my biggest fear is an injury or getting sick, the 2010 BC Bike Race was looking pretty good for me as my handling skills and fitness were all in tune. On my way up to the US for a final prep before heading to Canada I got something on the plane, airport, or in Orange County, strep throat and feelings of fatigue all day were some of the symptoms I was having, just before the race I started to feel better so I thought that the race was going to be a good one, but after the first stage I found out that I had nothing when it came to real racing, that fatigue feeling was still there and each time I tried going hard for more than 2-3 minutes my body will force me to slow down to the point that I could only ride a medium tempo pace.

Regardless of that horrible feeling the downhill’s and technical sections of the race were a blast, my Specialized Epic with Fast Track tires handled the British Columbia single-track like no other bike, my Specialized fork was set up a little softer with the brain slightly open so it would make it really plush on the roots and rocky terrain we had all week. Keep in mind that this race has about 70% single-track so bike choice and set up is very important.

After 8 days of riding some of the best single-track in the world, I will now take it easy in order to rest and get ready for the XCO Costa Rica National Championships. I am the current National Champion so defending the Jersey is the main goal, I just need to get healthy again, get some rest and prepare myself mentally to have another great race like I did last year.

Nationals will take place in 2 weeks, stay tuned!

MP