For the first time in my skiing career I was in there. The first half of the race classic skiing was just real comfortable. I had great skis and was relaxed in the pack. Starting back in the 50's you are very much at the mercy of those in front and I managed to avoid the crashes and tangles that can send your day down. I just stayed relaxed and picked my way up when it wouldn't take too much work. Climbing comfortable next to some World Champs was a great feeling, climbing past some was even sweeter!
Coming into the exchange I was sitting in 16th position and feeling good. My exchange was pretty slow and I ended up coming out a bit further back than I went in not a big deal since there was still a lot of skiing left. The biggest bummer of the day was I missed feeds on the first two laps of the skating. The feed zones are crazy and that just happens sometimes... So on the third lap I started to get some cramping and yo yo off the back and then on the final lap I wasn't able to hang on... Still I managed to get it back together and gain time back up to the guys right in front of me on the final climb and finished strong.
In the end it was my best mass start on the World Cup level, my best FIS point race, and a great boost of confidence. I was right in there with the best in the world for 25k! I am super excited for the relay and the 50k to come next weekend. Now I get a little rest and I start that off with a massage in a few minutes.
3 comments:
Yes yes yes back in the saddle!!!!
This is great, a wonderful Sunday morning news!
God Job
Love
Mady Melissa and Wil
way to go!!
A good day at the track. Getting up at 3:30 to "watch" the race live can be a real experience. I missed the first part of the race, but watching the race unfold was really exciting -- 15/16th place at the change in skis. At the 24k mark 6.1 seconds off the lead. How exciting can that be! It must have been a great race for the crowd with all those skiers in a pack.
Great race James.
Dad
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