The Rocky roads UCI mountain bike XC World Cup  took place over the past weekend . The vibe was absolutely amazing over the past week and everyone was getting ready to have a great weekend supporting all the riders , blowing the vuvuzelas and ringing the cow bells !

A lot of preparation went into Saturday for the big race ! We were warned that the weather wasn’t going to hold up but we kept on hoping that it wouldn’t rain. Unfortunately mother nature didn't care how hard we prayed and hoped because the heavens opened just before the start of the u23 and junior woman’s race. It was pouring with rain and of course this is mountain biking so no .. they would never cancel the race. We all knew that it was going to be an extremely tough race .

The Junior woman started 1 minute after the u23 woman  and were told to do 2 laps because of the conditions. There was a strong field of junior woman and it was going to be some good competition. We all stood under umbrellas until about 30 seconds to the start as we tried our best just to keep dry . It was definitely not the best start to a race !

As the gun went off we all sprinted to get to the first up hill and then hit the switch back climb . It was definitely difficult as there was a lot of mud. Haley Smith proved to be the stronger rider of the day and the Battle was between Nicole smith and I  for 2nd and 3rd place. Unfortunately all the bull runs were closed due to the conditions so we had to ride the chicken runs . A lot of running had to be done because it was just so slippery .

Nicole and I hit the single track just before the end of our first lap and I lost control of my bike and hit my head against a tree , It took me a while to stand up and get  my bike ready again . I tried to catch up with Nicole but it wasn't possible.

On my final lap I rode by myself and kept telling myself to push through it  ! It was great having support from Candice Neethlings mom on the up hill up to the Amphitheatre . She definitely did a great job supporting out there in the pouring rain , it was much needed !

In the final 300 m of the course I experienced chain suck and ran to the finish with my bike. I have never ran so fast in my life !!! I managed to take 3rd place for the day with a lot of bumps and bruises . It was definitely a race I would never forget !

Even though it wasn't the best result of the season for me I was still proud to have represented my country and happy to be able to stand on the podium ! Well done to everyone that raced ... all the girls had a lot of guts to race in those conditions !

I am sad that the whole World Cup is over as it was a great deal of fun ! Max Cluer did a fantastic job commentating for the World Cup and he always knows what’s cooking ! Also ,thank you to Nick Florris for building such a phenomenal course , it definitely tested everyone’s limits. To my family , thank you for your undying support , without you this would have not been possible!

Until next time guys , keep pedalling those bicycles !