swisspower cup #1 -- volketswil, switzerland

March 25, 2006

(L) Martina, Ute and Me; (R) Martina takes a corner.

The pack began to string out right away as some of the world’s top riders, such as Petra Henzi, Irina Kalentieva and Bärbel Jungmeier pushed the pace at the front. Drafting was important on the course’s many wide, open sections. I had a mid-pack start (plate #222!) and fought to move up and stick with the group in front. Things started to break up and I worked to keep a fast pace, carry my speed through corners, up the intense climbs and through the sketchy mud.

The race consisted of a slightly shortened start lap plus five full (four-kilometre) loops of a fast course, which included lots of fire road, some muddy sections, short climbs, a creek crossing and high-speed corners. Because of the lack of a major climb or descent, it was a relentless power course with no place to let up.

I felt solid. My legs responded when I needed them and I was alert, focused and having fun! I had a super support crew, including my aunt Silvia (complete with a loud Swiss cowbell), cousin Julian, friend Heiko, Ute and Hans and the fantastic X.O-Felt support crew: Stefan, Dani, Andri and Moritz! The above fantastic folks, plus all the other bike fans out there cheered me to a 15 th-place finish. I’m happy with the effort (I still have a cough from the exertion and it’s three days later) and feeling positive about this season. There’s opportunity for improvement and I will definitely be taking it.

Throughout the race, I expected my famously fast teammate, Martina, to show up (I wanted to draft off of her!), but she never did. I knew something had gone wrong when I spotted her cheering me on from the sidelines. Apparently she is just too darn powerful for her own good, as evidenced when she snapped her chain on the second lap. Maybe you should let up on the weight training a little, girl!

My other teamie, the young Fabienne, had a respectable start to the Swisspower Cup series with a 27 th place finish.

Thanks also to Heiko for the yummy pre-race meal and the comfortable sofa, and to Ute and Hans for your generousity.

Results (Women, start loop + 5 laps)

1. Bärbel Jungmeier (Aut) 1:39:30
2. Petra Henzi (Sui) at 0:22
3. Irina Kalentieva (Rus) 1:07
4. Ivonne Kraft (Ger) 1:50
5. Daniela Louis (Sui) 3:33
6. Pia Sundstedt (Swe) 03:40
7. Nina Göhl (Ger) 05:35
8. Maroussia Rusca (Sui) 06:33
9. Esther Süss (Sui) 7:52
10. Elisabeth Osl (Aut) 8:35

15. Sandra Walter (Can) 11:28
DNF. Martina Feldmann (Can)

(L) Martina cruises through a creek; (R) Me leading the train.

(L) Martina getting excited about her BRAND NEW TRUCK! (R) Manuel, my biggest little fan.