The unique thing about WORS races is the start time. Comp and Pro racing doesn't start until 1:30 giving me plenty of time for relaxation and warm up. Although hard to dial in the diet for an afternoon race I have to say I enjoy the later start as it allows me to chill in the morning with my coffee and gives me time to get my gear together at the race site. After watching the Sport class start 2 hours of ahead of us it definitely prepared me for the my race and I was getting anxious to get the season underway.
I pulled up to the start line with Tyler Jenema and there was no doubt in my mind we were the best on the line. I was confident in the training we had in our legs and even more confident in the drive we had to complete our first race with a good result. Iola starts on a slight uphill and turns a corner to a red line uphill. Its unique start to the race because you can't win the race on the hill but a poor start can take you out of the running immediately. I jumped on the pedals and got cut off into about 10th position coming up the hill. Tyler J. typically sets a good pace in the beginning and he was running 2nd up the hill so I when I saw this it was my goal to be wheel on wheel with him. I slowly but steadily hammered the hill and picked off 1 by 1. Coming down the first decent, which a fast roll down into the Iola ski jump bowl, I was running about 6th. I was OK with this position and calm because I knew we had two climbs before the single track and flat section. I tapped into my strength, punchy hills, and picked my way into 3rd and took over 2nd on the next decent. I had caught Tyler J. on the next hill right before the flat and as any good ally would do he held up a split second for me to get on. At this time we had already created a small gap and we had no intentions of giving the 3rd place guy a chance to latch on.
The first lap went by fast and I knew were created a gap from the next group. It felt easy to create this gap with Tyler J. being so smooth on the single track. This was the first time I felt the difference of having a 29er. Following his smooth riding seemed effortless at times on the 29er, it just kept rolling. We entered the single track on the 2nd lap and were still moving at a good clip and our goal was no longer just to win but to crush the competition, this kept our tempo high and we pulled out another blazing lap.
I followed Tyler's wheel for all 4 laps as there was no reason to ruin the flow we had going. With there being so much single track draft wasn't much of a factor. Being first into the single track held the advantage, you're able to pick a line and ride your pace. On the 2nd and 3rd lap our support crew had giving us race info that we had over a minute lead and that we were looking good. It didn't matter if we had a 10 minute lead we were not letting up. With each lap the single track became more fun and we got smoother.
The finish sends you through a wavy single track section of pine trees and pops you out to about 25 or so yards to the finish. Tyler J. popped out first and I gave a good effort to come around but there was just not enough room. We pulled the Tyler two step and had a UP 1-2 finish. Regardless of the distance to the finish Tyler J. looked smooth and flawless. I felt no shame coming in right behind him. I know most of the hard core competitors, which I consider myself one, are questioning "how are you OK with 2nd?" It's not so much that I'm OK that I finished 2nd, trust me it hurts, but if I do finish 2nd it's just makes it more acceptable when it's to a great friend. I was very happy with my effort and was positive about how I felt for it being May. We did all 4 laps in 21 minutes a lap. We beat the 3rd place competitor by over 3 minutes and the 4th place by 4 minutes. Better yet it's a good sign that the strength and endurance are in line.
Full Race Results
I can't end without thanking my wife for her morale support, my parents for not missing a beat and Tyler Jenema for being an awesome training partner and friend. I also want to thank all my sponsors. The thanks will continue throughout the year as I'm so appreciative of all I have around me.
Age Group Podium
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