After arriving in La Bresse I felt a little below par. Probably a combination of a big training load, a slightly higher elevation than usual and still feeling like I was adjusting to the European time zone after returning from Mont Saint Anne. Unfortunately, late in the week l still felt 1 or 2 percent off and had a disappointing short track race, missing out on a front 2 row start position. 

I desperately wanted to finish the World Cup season on a high and fought hard over the opening lap of the XCO to move up some places. I felt a little over my limit on the second lap and had to button off a little, so I didn’t risk destroying my whole race. 

I was able to ride the technical sections well but it took a while to really find my climbing legs. I stayed in sight of the top 10 over the early laps and with 4 to go I felt the tide start to turn and I could make back some places on the guys in front. I had a really strong last 2 laps to bring it home for 7th on the day and to secure 7th overall in the World Cup series.

Now it’s time to turn the focus to World Champs and finish the season off in style!

Photo credit: Matt DeLorme