I have been told many times that deserts get very cold, and I did come prepared. But waking up about 6:30am today I was surprised to hear that it was 4 degrees outside. Thankfully rollout was just after 8am to drive to the race start at Telegraph Station.
The race start itself was quick enough, with Aiden Leffman and Andy Blair keen to get away. Things mostly stayed together, until Aiden did get away a few kilometres in. From there on I’m not really sure what happened at the front of the bike race.
Affairs got a little strung out, with a crossing over a muddy river and a few longer sand sections. They weren’t overly difficult, but enough to make a group of about twenty multiple groups of two, three or four. From here on it was pretty much about settling into (but not getting too comfortbale) No Mans Land. The trails were a bit rough around the edges at first, but things smoothed out into some great singletrack, with the odd firetrail section allowing some fast km’s.
It was a day of not feeling super, but not terrible. Having passed Nick Both (who had flatted) I was pretty cautious for a lot of the race. From the excellent mid way waterpoint (having your bottle handed up is always great) I just did what I could to maintain my position. The run in was straight forward (thus suiting me) and I was pretty pleased to be finished and eating fruit.
The front three came in together, with Jason English just taking the win from Andy Blair and Aiden. Anna Beck took the Ladies win. Check back soon for full results as they become available.