Biking the Rock

Germany

Capital: Berlin

Dialling code: +49

Currency: Euro

Longest word: Donaudampfschifffahrtselektrizitätenhauptbetriebswerkbauunterbeamtengesellschaft…

It is also the home of Heubach and the Bike the Rock race. One thing I admire about road cycling is the heritage that the big races have. To do a race and think that Eddy Merckx cycled on the same road many years before must be cool. It’s rare for an XCO race to have that feel, with an ever-changing calendar of international races and courses. Raced since 2001, Bike the Rock must be one of only a few that is still continually run. With this heritage, comes an old school course with a 10min climb and 4min descent. The climb is tough with steep sections through the first part and a false flat across the top. The descent is fast and fun, with sweeping corners and flat out sections over roots and rocks. Also with some nice drops it makes for a fun ride,  in the dry that is! It is only a national race, but you could be mistaken for thinking it is a world cup when during the elite race thousands of people cram into the narrow valley. Even during the U23 race in the morning, the beer fuelled, pretzel-wielding fans were out in force.

I was unsure if I was fully over my flu, but the previous days’ efforts had gone well with normal heart rate levels. Four Aussies would take to the start for the U23 race with Kyle Ward, Scott Bowden, Michael Crosbie and me getting called up in the first 16 positions. This was a great help as the start was tight and was straight into the climb. I was a bit nervous at the start being my first race in Europe this year and after my dismal run of races I was hoping for a smooth race. The start went well and I didn’t crash so that was an improvement on Cairns! I was on Michael Crosbie’s wheel as we started the climb but quickly went backwards. I pushed until the top of the climb and just tried to get some big breaths in and compose myself.

Upto the false flat I was in last place and not travelling well. I was able to make up a significant amount of ground on the downhill and catch the riders in front before the next lap’s climb. I managed to keep a few riders in sight and pass them as they blew over the false flat. At the top of the descent, I couldn’t see anyone in front of me but by the bottom I had got on the back of a group of six. I wasn’t going to pull out then, and knew I just had to get to the top of the descent with them and I could make up some more positions. Up the climb, I finally opened up and I passed a few of the riders and then down the descent I was able to pass and gap a few more. Overall gaining 7 places on that lap. By the 4th lap I still wasn’t the best but just wanted to get to the top and try to gain some more spots on the descent. I managed to get a few more guys on the way down but was pulled at the end of that lap.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nKB5L_O3N4k

I wasn’t really disappointed by the result at the end of the race. Michael and Scott had a close race, both coming in together in the top 20. Kyle unfortunately had a bad race as well. After, it was time to be a spectator and cheer on the elites. I would have taken more photos but I got a bit lost and missed most of the race walking around in circles on some of Heubach’s finest single track. It was nowhere near as fun as riding them. Next time I’ll take my Magellan and Bianchi!   Hopefully, I should have things sorted by Nove Mesto, coming up this weekend. Keep a look out for my course GoPro and be sure to check out the racing on Rebull Tv. The Giro should be on as well so could be a good night’s viewing!