SpeedyMike Update
Cypress Mt .NOR-AM PGS
February 15, 2004
Quite possibly, one of the worst days of racing conditions were seen here at the future home of the 2010 Olympics- Cypress Mt. in Vancouver. Warm conditions ( +10 Celsius) mixed with wind, snow changing to rain back to snow made for super soft and difficult racing conditions. Perfect. I thrive when everyone else is having a bad time…
The race officials decided that the conditions were too poor to have a full PGS, so it was changed to a traditional two run GS, where only two runs would be done through the same course, combined time. I started the day in the #6 spot.
In my first run, I took my usual straight race line, only to figure out very quickly that I had to stay in the rut line in order to stay on my feet. After almost falling during the first 4 turns, I adjusted my line an went round. I finished the first run in second place, .50 seconds back from the leader U.S. rider Zac Kay.
In the second run, I continued with my game plan of running a round line, and had an absolutely wicked fast run…until the last two gates. I swung a little wide, and caught some soft snow, where I hit the brakes in order to make it around the last gate. I was really upset that the run finished in that manner, but I still had the fastest second run…however it wasn’t enough to close the gap on Zac. I finished in 2nd place by .20 seconds, caused by a mistake which easily cost me 1-2 seconds. Disappointed big time, but a podium is nice, and next week a win will be better.
Overall, I’m happy with my riding, and things are pointing positively towards more podium finishes, bigger pay checks and bigger points.
Thank you very much to my friends who came out and supported the race in the worst conditions: Melissa, Karen, Kate, Ian, Fred and Calvin.
Next Up:
-Mt. Norquay, Alberta. February 22. Nor-Am, PGS
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