My last Swisspower Cup of 2006 treated me to a fun, technical course that reminded me of home. Each eight-kilometre lap contained 310 vertical metres of climbing interspersed with steep, rooty, rocky descents. The weather was perfect for our 12:15 start: partly cloudy, a slight breeze and temperatures in the mid-20's. We were ready for a long race: four laps of the course, which took the top riders around 30 minutes each. The level of competition was high, since it seemed that all the Euros who didn't make the trip to Canada for the World Cup, went to La-Chaux-de-Fonds for the Swisspower Cup. Among the women on the start line were Swiss National Champ Petra Henzi, French National Champ Severine Hansen, Austrian speed demons Elisabeth and Maria Osl, New Zealand's Annika Smail and World Cup marathon contender Esther Süss.

Considering the tough level of competition, I'm content with my 12th-place finish, although I was aiming for at least a top 10. I started conservatively because of the race length, and was therefore able to have some strength left for the final lap, during which I overtook a few riders who had gone out too quickly. My descents felt good and fast (and fun!) and I had strong climbing legs. Rain overnight made the roots and rocks on the course quite slick, so there were also a few short running sections. I am now in 6th place in the overall standings, and, unfortunately, that's all I can do this year, since I have to go home next week. (Sniff sniff!) My Swisspower experience has been fabulous, however, and I feel the level of competition has been superb for my development.

Just as it looked like Martina's luck had turned for the better after her strong race last weekend, she faced another setback yesterday when she crashed and hit her head, breaking her helmet, but luckily, nothing else. She was forced to abandon the race due to what looked like a minor concussion. Other X.O-Felt teamie, Fabienne, had a strong 14th-place finish. Nice work, girl! She is currently in 8th in the overall standings. Martina is 15th.

Thanks to all the support on the course, especially from super feeder Andri Feldmann and my #1 Fans, Sepp and Sonya! On July 2nd Team X.O-Felt will be vying for the win at the iXS marathon in Schleitheim -- my last race in Switzerland before I head back home.