Coal Cross in Cumberland is usually one of the first stops in the racing calendar. It is famous for being dry and having a whirly-whirl section, although this year’s course was a bit different it was largely the same. Heading into the race I knew it was going to be a bit of a struggle as I have not worked on cross-skills nearly enough this year. While I was out pre-riding the course slow corners just didn’t come naturally and I would struggle with them later in the day as well.
The call-ups were random this year and I found myself in the third row, although I was in good company between Cody Scott and Drew McKenzie. The start went ok, I missed my pedal at first but got it on the next rotation, I was able to get through the gears and as the people in front of me opened up the first right-hand corner I dove down the inside and past a bunch of guys there. I had a pretty decent first lap in 12th place and then I tried to settle into a rhythm. The rhythm just seemed a little off, I felt like my slow-speed corners were getting worse and my power on the straights was low as well. Tim Roberts gave me a great heckle which pretty much summed up my race “Too much gravel racing you forgot how to turn.”
Looking back I have a lot of room for improvement, which is great because it is just a matter of propping up skills that will come with time on the bike this season. I am looking forward to the season more now and hopefully by the time the rains come my skills will have returned.
Race: COTR #1
Time: 1:09:43 Laps: 7
Avg Heart Rate: 190
Max Heart Rate: 198
Place: 22nd
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