Spain 2005

I was primed for a good race on my favourite course, which included lots of long climbs and steep, technical descents. Back in 2002, I placed sixth at the National Championships on almost the same course up at Sun Peaks. Unfortunately, things didn't go so stellar this year and I ended up a disappointing 14th.

Martina workin' hard up the climb. You can see me chasing her down in the background. Photo courtesy of Canadian Cyclist.

I can't blame anyone or anything for my poor performance. The only explanation I have, is that I lacked the "pop" in my legs that I had trained so hard to gain. The most probable cause for that lack of power and speed was that I wasn't recovered enough from travelling and training. Oh well, ya live, ya learn.

All in all, the race went smoothly. No mechanicals, no crashes. I just went the same speed the entire race, and unfortunately that speed wasn't all that fast. I still loved the course, the weather was fantastic and I had a great group of people cheering for me out there. Thank you so much for all the support, especially Mom, Dad, Jeanine, Steve, Sally, Ken, Tanya, Ryan, Suzanne, Emily, Juerg and Therese! My first race back in Canada was especially memorable because I got to spend time with all my friends, who I hadn't seen in months. I was a big party! And the day after the race, my parents, Jeanine and I went for a beautiful ride on some of the trails near Sun Peaks. Fun stuff, I tell ya!

Congratulations to everyone's super performances at the National Championships, especially my good buddies, Jean Ann (who won the Espoir Women's National title for the second year in a row) and Catharine (who placed a stellar fourth in the Elite Women's race)! You girls rock! The girl who rocks the most, however, is none other than the super speedy Marie-Helene, who won another National title.

Elite & Espoir Women (4 laps, 22km)
1. Marie-Helene Premont (QC, Rocky Mountain-Business Objects) 1:33:34
2. Alison Sydor (BC, Rocky Mountain-Business Objects) 2:57
3. Kiara Bisaro (BC, Team R.A.C.E.com) 3:38
4. Catharine Pendrel (BC, Norco) 4:52
5. Trish Sinclair (BC, Scott USA-Kenda) 6:14
6. Wendy Simms (BC, Velo Bella-Kona) 7:28
7. Mical Dyck (AB, Team Alberta) 7:49
8. Melanie McQuaid (BC, Orbea) 10:37
9. Amanda Sin (ON, 3 Rox Racing) 11:54
10. Jean Ann McKirdy* (BC, Rocky Mountain-Business Objects) 13:13
11. Catherine Vipond* (ON, Team Ontario) 14:03
12. Danelle Kabush (AB, Timex) 15:54
13. Meghan Kindree* (BC, Rocky Mountain-Business Objects) 17:04
14. Sandra Walter (BC, X.O-Felt) 17:32
15. Caroline Villeneuve (QC, Brunet-La Vie Sportive) 18:14
*Espoir