“That what it was like last week!” Max replied. “Some guy crashed into me and ripped my derailleur off on the first lap! The traffic made it stupid to continue so I pulled the plug.”
As hundreds of riders were called up to the start line behind us, we watched a dramatic movie-like trailer on the big jumbotron screen towering above the start/finish line. Red stills of race action flashed across the screen, heavy dramatic music blared and text read “The top mountain bike racers on the planet converge in Offenburg, Germany for the 2008 Mountain Bike World Cup.”
“Look back there” Max said.
We were lined up on the forth row, but behind us were hundreds of angry warrior-looking racers. I could easily imagine them waving swords in the air. It was certain that the crowd was in a froth to see blood and battle. Tens of thousands of spectators were armed with promotional signs, inflatable green tubes, flags, bells and air horns.
I was ready to go, and at the blast of the start cannon I put myself into a good position on the first of two start loops just behind Bury Stander. The next lap, I was caught behind a major crash. The rest of the race I fought the dread of racing on legs that were mysteriously empty. Well little mystery really. I did have a stomach bug last Sunday thru midweek.
Oh well, I was focused and went for it! It will just take some time to turn the power back on as soon as I find the switch.
Next stop is Madrid, Spain for round three of the formula 1 of mountain bike racing. I guess that makes the NMBS like NASCAR. Who knows.
The JBL Tunes to Ride by, Volume III contest is in its final week. Check out the Tunes link at the left and send in some great songs. Albums are almost ready for download. Stayed tuned!
Jeremiah
Labels: Racing, World Cups
posted by Jeremiah Bishop # 4:45 AM 
