"The forest of pain"
Yesterdays race was held under sunny skies with a light wind. A beautiful day for a race, and a course that was tacky, but not overly muddy (mostly. . . .).
A new record 42 racers started with celebrity rider, and Cyclocross promoter, Paul Toohey lining up for the 10am start. Special thanks again to our volunteers again who did a brilliant job keeping everyone organised.
As the starting gun (well, actually we didn't have a gun so we just yelled GO! really loud. . . ) went off it was a blistering start with Specialised leading the charge to the turnaround. As the race charged towards the holeshot, there was a crash at the start of the trail by a number of riders at 'bunny-hop-curb'. This crash also took down Chia Kung who was favoured to place highly.
As the race entered the dirt it was very strung out with many riders pushing to get to the front. At the end of the first straight there was another crash as the pack cornered left towards the 'River'. Unfortunately your "author' went down here and a good 15 people went past! Up we got, and back on the run towards the 'River'. Upon arrival I could see that someone had politely changed my course, moved the tape, and placed some neatly positioned large rocks across the water. THANK YOU ASSISTANT COURSE DESIGNER WHOMEVER YOU ARE. . . . .
Just after the rocks on the remount there was another crash (you are seeing a theme) which your 'Author' went down in with one other rider. I can tell you I am a little tender this morning. . . . once again another 7-8 riders went past as I tried to work out how my chain got wrapped around my crankarm. . . . .?
From here the mayhem seems to have let up some, and Specialized was back on the front going hard with Eric Koh and William going hard on the front. Not too far behind them was Cui Yinhao of TREK, and Chia Kung (Specialized). There were a few more minor crashes, also some road rash and sun burn, but the race went smoothly from here. Your 'author' went into 'don't panic' mode as he tried to make his way back up to the front from the back.
A beautiful sunny day saw another dominant day for Team Specialized in Shanghai Cross. There was a little bit of movement on placings towards the end with a last minute charge by Kaiyuan Wang (TCR), resulting in a bad flat, but overall a consistent finish by the favourites.
Full results to come soon!
Another great race on a glorious day. Looking forward to a fast and flat road race in two weeks.
ReplyDeleteDave
If it is any consolation to the author, I crashed, too, and Chia went down 4 times!
ReplyDeleteEK
yup 4 times in one lap is tough....
ReplyDeleteI AM THE ASSISTANT COURSE DESIGNER ;-)
ReplyDeleteI droped those large rocks left part of the creek before the race because WE (--> most riders and myself)didn't feel like crossing this one meter depth dirty water 10 times during the race. I talked to Paul just before the race and HE made the decision to modify the course and moove the race tape.
Sorry you didn't know before the race start.
So far I think it was better for everyone, most of people who tried to cross this part crashed...
Anyway thanks a lot for organizing this race, and thanks to all volonteers! It was a great day and a lof of fun!
Thomas
do you know where can the picture be found?
ReplyDeleteI would like to congratulate both the organizers and the racers.
ReplyDeleteThe organizers for this, again, faultless GREAT event. The participants for their courage and the spectacle offered. Not to be on the bike is also an experience, believe me! I am not sure my heart rate monitor would have kept quiet even on the side of the trail!!!
Cheers, JP.