The event was held at Eshtaol Forest a 20 min drive from the event centre. The area was steeper, and even drier than the other days, with a less dense track network of larger tracks and paths. All were extremely dusty and gravelly causing the trees to have a grey almost silver appearance and were very dangerous particularly on the corners with many riders having ‘moments’ and even falls.
Unfortunately as I had not qualified for the long final I watched Andy and the girls compete in their finals before getting kitted up in the 36 degree heat to head out for my B final race which was to be over the same course that the Women had used earlier. It had been decided if Bryan or myself were beaten by any British girls we were to receive a face full of hummus, and I secretly wanted to see if I could beat the time of Christine Schaffner (91.11) the recently crowned World Champion.
I started strongly picking a very fast loose decent down to #1 and then rode cleanly for most of the course only making one error and a suspect route choice where I rode through an olive grove and got scratched to pieces.
I caught Bryan about half way round and gave it everything trying to pull away, but he managed to stay in touch.
I crossed the line in a right state of exhaustion and dehydration after about 91 mins very pleased but what about the seconds. Well my 91.21 just wasn’t quite enough to beat Christine but I’m happy there is just one women in the world who can beat me !
After a quick trip back to the event centre to pack away the bikes ready for the trip home we were back to the swimming pool which formed the finish for the long race for the event banquet and prize giving, culminating in a midnight swim and various alcholol induced antics.