The Rothaus Jump

We had absolutely perfect weather Sunday morning. I was so excited to race, I knew I was feeling good and ready. The views during my warm up were stunning, just spinning on the back roads near the course was enough to make the trip worth it! I moved up to a call-up of 83 (two place improvement!). I was thrilled to be lining up with the best of the best again but this time I didn’t think about it as much since it had overwhelmed me a bit at the Nove Mesto World Cup. I drew in all of my focus and when the gun went off I was ready to rumble as well as stay focused. As is typical, at the second turn into a narrower path there was a crash. I went around it and picked up the pace to hang on to the pack. We all rode smooth through the next few corners and up the dirt road then it turned to single track. It was stand still traffic for a second. We were all off our bikes and running (and unfortunately walking at times) for the majority of the climb on the first lap. The lap times were predicted to be around 11 minutes and with the 80% rule in effect I was certain I was going to be pulled on the first lap due to the walking! For a brief moment I was really frustrated I’d come all the way to Germany to be pulled on the first lap, but luckily I wasn’t! I rode as smooth as possible and feel really good about the laps I was able to race (3). The climbs are insanely steep (I’ll bring a 30T chainring next year) but smooth enough that by lap 2, I rode everything perfectly. They decent was slippery on the first half, but I was able to look through the corners and keep the rubber side down the entire time! I worked as hard as I could the entire time. I know I did because I had the typical cough and post-race stomach issues I usually get! I only raced for 45 minutes but I gave it my all! This race had just as many spectators, particularly in the middle of the lap between the two halves. They were full of energy and SO loud, but I didn’t notice them this time. I didn’t want to repeat my Nove Mesto nerves. I just focused on the trail and my riding. I heard my name around the course, but I didn’t look up or worry about the sheer volume of people and all the cameras! I finished in 72nd place, 5 spots better than last week!

I rode my Jamis Dakar XCR 29 again this week. It was the perfect bike for this course as well. With the "Rothaus Jump" and the "Albstadt Drop" I really wanted full suspension to absorb the terrain. Since mud was a possibility I stuck with the Geax Saguros. Had this course been dry the Mexcals would have rolled even faster, but with the slick descents I wanted as much grip as possible without it being a mud tire. Last year this World Cup was insanely muddy so I was prepared for those conditions.
My Stan's NoTubes Valors were great on the climbs, the stiffness made for efficient energy transfer. They really are the perfect wheel for me! Since we were racing in the black forest in Germany, I didn't need much UV protection for my eyes. In fact, I ended up wearing the Julbo Access with clear lenses for both of my races. Any tint in the lens made it too difficult to see in the thick trees.

Pinned and ready!

riding the berm

signatures for little race fans!

Some German race fans that cheered heartily every lap and found me after to talk!