Its good to be back in the US racing again after a short break at home. Three weeks with my team mates Aaron and Neko racing some good old East coast venues. First up in the rain and mud was Highland Park in New Hampshire. The track was like a mini World Cup, a bit like Val Di Sole in Italy just a little slower overall. Roots, rocks and rain, a good test. This was the first Pro GRT for Trek Word Racing this year and I know I was excited to be here.
Both seeding and finals were on Sunday and official practice was Friday, Saturday. Monk driving the team Rig had some problems getting to the course on Friday so I was left bike less and resorted to walking the track a couple of times and watching practice. I got a quick dirt jump session in as well thanks to Neko bringing his bike from home. I haven’t jumped for ages so that was awesome.
Monk arrived Friday evening and I was sorted for Saturday Practice, which I was stoked about. There’s nothing like watching people ride while you can’t to build up the desire to get out there.
Sunday morning rolled around and so did the rain. Cut spikes got mounted and we were up there. The course was even better in the wet, the rocks not quite as slick as Saturday and being a short course not having to worry about pulling tear offs. Seeding came around and I was happy how I rode, 2nd to Aaron and more importantly back on the pace.
For finals the rain turned it up another notch and the first thing I noticed as I set off was the puddles on the upper section of the course. Traction was prefect in a lot of the technical sections just hitting a little bit of chop towards the end of the course slowed a few lines down a little. Neko absolutely killed his run to stomp the victory, Aaron just behind and me in third. Trek 1-2-3, good start to the US racing for us.
Photo- Matt DeLorme
