Squamish's Most Classic: Test of Metal

On June 16 I raced Squamish's most Classic; the Test of Metal. I had a strong ride, felt great and posted my fastest finishing time to date despite the slow and soggy course.  

The race was on immediately after Cory Wallace won the first prime.  From there Chris Sheppard set the pace and I followed.  By the time we entered Jacks Trail Chris and I had established a lead that would grow as the race progressed.  I was first into Jacks Trail and took the 2nd prime at Alice lake.  Chris and I would stay together throughout the next few Kilometers until we hit 'Rock and Roll' where I made an effort on the steep pitches of the climb. At the top I had a small gap and entered the corners with the confidence and comfort of race leader.  This is a big advantage as it allows me to ride conservatively while Chris burns energy chasing.

I extended my lead some through the descent having local knowledge on my side and with my increased lead I was all the more comfortable.  I rode hard through the traverse into the nine Mile Climb and when I hit the climb, I turned to a tempo that was again conservative.  I rode a hard but restful pace until the crest of Bonk Hill.  Chris was chasing and closing the gap while we climbed this initial section of the nine-mile road.  At the summit of bonk hill, my lead had been reduced to less than 100 feet.  However, having ridden conservatively up the first half of the climb, I was now well rested and ready to torch the second half.  Cresting Bonk Hill I turned on the gas until i was at speed descending the rip.  At this point my lead was minutes and the remainder of the race was a 'ride-smooth' type of deal.  I'm happy to take my third Test of Metal since those in 2006/2007.  Those five years flew by.

TOM RESULTS:
http://www.canadiancyclist.com/dailynews.php?id=24363

Following the Test of Metal, I was back east for my first World Cup event since 2007.  The course was at Mt. St-Anne, QC and it was technically and physically the most demanding course I have ever ridden.  It was difficult to ride the course... just to ride it.  I cooked myself in the days leading up to the race just trying to figure out the lines and course layout.  I did too many laps of a strenuous circuit and come race day, I wasn't feeling snappy.  This should have been obvious to avoid but it was also necessary to pre-ride and I felt great while doing this.  Despite a poor showing on race day, I feel I took some very valuable experience away from this and I will hit my next WC better prepared.  After the race the Specialized Racing team went out for a feast and team dinner.  All the big names were there and it was a nice treat.  Again, So lucky to be on such a wicked team!  Special thanks to Carneys Waste Systems for getting me out east on points to attend this event.  Congrats also to Max on a personal best and huge accomplishment of fifth place.

WC RESULTS:
http://www.canadiancyclist.com/dailynews.php?id=24402

After this World Cup experience I would love another kick at the thing next weekend in Windham, but I will be racing something too fun to pass up...
Next up is the 7-day BC Bike Race.  This, I am very excited about!

-N