It was great that for the first race
of the Tour organizers expanded the snowmaking loop to 5K. It was also great
that, unlike the previous year, the citizen’s race was separated from the pros,
and I was able to start from the front line. As the race rolled out I found
myself at a comfortable 3rd position. However, my A rock skis (last
season’s racing/training skis) were not particularly fast and I was being passed
on the downhills. I then settled in the end of the 7-8 people pack.
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| The Great Squirrel Chase |
Fortunately, no one broke away
and as we were entering the last long climb on the second loop, I started
pushing harder. I got to the front at the mid of the climb. I first intended to
just stay there and then see what can I do at the finish sprint, but after a quick
visual assessment of other racers condition I decided to make a move.
As I got out of the old stadium my
burning legs made me worry if I will get caught, but at the U-turn I found out
that I made quiet a gap, and then there was a multiple of long downhill rest –
short uphill sprint things, so when I was at the top of the final climb they
were only at its bottom. It was the first skate race I have ever won!
I raced two more Tour races as
well as Marine O’Brien skate race, which made for two intense weekends. Gained
some points in the FastWax Series, but lost a point in Eugene vs Nate series
(currently at 2:1). It was a great training and I am looking forward to the
Birkie!
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