World MTBO Champs - Podium in the Sprint

The World MTBO Champs got off to a fast start yesterday evening with the Sprint distance event held in the technical terrain around the university in Olsztyn, Poland. I had a race where I never felt entirely comfortable with the map, but got the flow going on the 2^nd of two loops and managed to scrape onto the podium with a 6^th place.

Initially I was quite disappointed with my race, but looking back it was not too bad a result considering that I’ve never ridden a Sprint distance event at this level before, and never done one in such technical urban terrain.

The other Aussies finished mid pack, with Alex having a crash with another competitor and never really felt good after that. The girls also rode well considering for 3 out of 4 of them it was their first world champs race ever.

Middle distance race is today, and once again I am starting in the last few in the field thanks to my high world ranking. Stay tuned for more updates soon!

Moments before the start...

Finishing the first loop

Podium time. Lasse Brun Pedersen was a very worthy winner today.

The team and our karate dude at the opening ceremony.

This belonged to one of the competitors in the public races held alongside the champs. At least the townie was suited to todays terrain, not so sure about the sandy tracks we'll be on soon though.