STRÜB - Life On Wheels

Well, this was I guess, I good warm up the few races that I will be skating this year. The Canadian National marathon ended up being an individual time trial for the three top finishers, Meaghan Buisson, Martine Charboneau and myself. Early into the race Meaghan, Martine and I broke away from the pack. Soon after, Meaghan overshot a high speed and very sharp corner, which left Martine and I in the lead. For some reason Martine insisted to wait for Meaghan, reluctantly I agreed.

Meaghan caught up a couple of minutes later and off we went. The pack in the meantime also caught up. Megs was briefly in the front of the pace line with Martine on her wheels and I was behind Martine. Meaghan dropped back and I decided to let her in so that the three of us would be able to have a race. At the very same time Martine went on a flyer up the hill, Megs now sat in second place easily following the move. I realized that I had made a big mistake, I left way too much of a gap to make up this still short distance.

We battled the fierce head wind and cross wind. I thought of Iona and figured that these were the conditions we train in and ploughed on. The two leaders were so close but slowly inched away and the pack kept dropping further and further back. I was stuck out there by myself. Finally I turned the corner onto the only stretch with a tail wind. I picked up the speed and flew along the newly paved road. I started to close the distance between the two skaters ahead. I worked hard - I almost had them, just as the course turned back into a wicket head wind. It hit me like a ton of bricks, but I kept working hard. Despite my efforts the two competitors widened the gap.

The first lap of three was done. Phew! Two more, this was going to be hard work all by myself. I simply kept pushing. In the meantime Meaghan attacked Martine and took off by herself, which left all three of us skating a time trial. I could not see the point of this, it was a little frustrating. Martine was very upset at the end of the race - there is no place for being a nice guy - we should have simply skated away together in the beginning. I am sure Meaghan would have caught up, she is a pro skater and very strong, but it would certainly have tired her out. She probably would have won, but at least we all would have had a 'Race'.

The track races are underway right now and I trust Meaghan and Martine are going to be the contenders. I decided to not race those this year, instead I will concentrate on the bike races and defend my fist place standing in the points series.

Until next time. Cheers! Conny

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