Words | Caleb Bottcher Photos | ELEMENT
Following my successful race at Karapoti last month, I decided to join in with some other kiwis on a trip to Mackay in Queensland for two UCI Category 2 XCO races. These races were held as a double-header over the past weekend at the same venue, but with slight course variations for each. The courses were fast rolling with punchy climbs and exciting rock features throughout. Careful selection of where to attack and where to be smooth was key.
I didn’t quite have the speed I would’ve liked in Saturday’s race, but really enjoyed getting back into XCO race mode and preparation. The race was a good reminder of the demands of this style of racing and the 5th place finish was a result that I was eager to improve on.
Having always reacted well to double-headers, I was excited to step things up for Sunday. I did just that, with a much stronger first lap, until an unlucky puncture sent me backwards. I tried to take a tighter line through a rock feature to avoid the rider in front of me who nearly crashed, but this proved costly.
I worked hard to come back from that the best I could and finished with another 5th place and so-close-yet-so-far gap. The mid-race tropical downpour unleashed chaos on course and kept things rather interesting, including a section of the main climb that we had to run.
As well as the racing, we enjoyed a week of (mostly) sunny weather exploring the best of what Mackay has to offer. Stunning Queensland beaches, Cape Hillsborough and delicious coffee were also highlights of the trip.
Next up for me is a couple of weeks off training to reset before we begin the winter block working towards Whaka100 and others races in the spring. This break coincides well with uni exams beginning next week but I'll look forward to getting back on the bike once these are done!
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