Polderscross and Zonhoven Superprestige

Time for a write up on my first and second European races! I landed in Brussels on Thursday morning, built bikes, and went for a spin with the rest of the group. It was pretty awesome to get my first taste of Europe and then I slept for 13 hours to get rid of the jet lag.



POLDERSCROSS, KRUIBEKE
Friday we did some efforts to open up our legs and early Saturday morning we hopped in the vans and drove the hour and a half to Kruibeke. After trying to find parking and inscription (registration) for awhile we finally located them and the team camp. Lane, Ben and I got kitted up and did a few laps on the course. It was pretty slick and pretty simple, with a few good climbs, plenty of off camber sections and huge flyovers.

After preride we pinned our numbers, warmed up on the trainers, and went to the start. I was third row call- up in the random draw. When the light turned green I shot up the right side and started to move through the field. I stayed on the gas and caught Lane and Ben by the second lap and kept on the gas. My accelerations felt very strong and I used it to my advantage to keep catching riders.

On the fourth lap I was just off the back of a group of six or seven riders and was having a little trouble with my shifting. I made the mistake of thinking I would lose more time if I pitted and waited to do so until the fifth lap. Not pitting actually cost me time and I didn't make the group. My back started to tighten up on me but I held my position for the last lap and a half riding as smoothly and cleanly as possible.

It was a fantastic and extremely fun first race in Europe and I was pretty happy to be the top American and finish only one spot out of the money in 16th place.

SUPERPRESTIGE ZONHOVEN!
Sunday we only had to drive 45 min to Zonhoven. Same as the day before, we kitted up and hopped on the course. This time we knew what to expect, Zonhoven is one of the most iconic races in the world with huge sand drops and run ups. Just riding the course was amazing and racing it was even better.

Once again, we warmed up and went to the start. Today I was not so lucky with my call up... and was second to last out of 70 riders putting me in the 9th row. When the light turned green it was total chaos, I weaved my way around crashed and slower riders, charging into the first corner. When I got to the first sandy drop in there was so much carnage that I had to run down the sand dune dodging fallen riders and broken bikes. Seconds later I hit the first run up and moved past a few riders before dropping into the sandy bowl again, followed by an even larger sandy run-up.

Those first two laps I moved up thirty spots but going into the third lap my back started to hurt more and I began to lose my power. Now I was stuck racing one of the hardest courses in the world at half strength... but what can you do? What I did was tough it out and maintain my position for those last couple laps to finish 42nd. It was a far cry from what I wanted to have accomplished but it was still an incredible experience.

I've been having an awesome time training and racing here in Sittard, NED and I can't wait for the Valkenburg World Cup this Sunday. Thank you everyone for your support and encouragement!

Katie, Ben, Me, and Lane