Cycling: Justin Leov showed impressive form early in the Enduro World Series and was poised to claim his first win, but luck was seldom sacred to him. With solid results, he was still able to secure third place in the overall ranking. Here's the last race of the EWS from the New Zealander's point of view.
Before Finale Ligure I was 3rd overall in the EWS and my goal was to defend that position and try to win this last race of 2014.
The main change in my equipment was that I had switched to the 650b model. So far I had ridden a 29er model in all other races. I made this choice in view of the technically demanding tracks of Finale Ligure. So I had to get used to a new driving experience.
I arrived in Finale 10 days before the race to fully absorb the time difference between New Zealand and Europe.
Two days were planned for the reconnaissance drives before the race. Each special stage was accessible by car. I don't like this fact at all. I usually prefer to cycle the transfer sections during the scouting trips as well. In order to be competitive here, however, there is nothing left but to do the reconnaissance trips by bike and the climbs by car one after the other, like everyone else.
On Saturday, the day of the race, the sun was shining with summer temperatures. Heading to the start I felt good and ready for the challenge that awaited me. Incidentally, I started the first special stage a little too violently, made a few mistakes and ended it with mixed feelings.
I liked the 2nd special stage a lot. There were short but challenging climbs as well as very technical sections, especially one in the middle of rocks where it was difficult to get through "cleanly". I was to confirm this when the outside of my fork hit a rock with full force. Miraculously, I was able to keep my balance. I was a bit frustrated when crossing the finish line. I knew I had to ride better to keep any hope of winning.
I decided to give it my all on stage 3. Due to the relatively flat sections and the technical climbs, it was quite possible to break away here. However, my driving style was too aggressive and therefore too choppy, not efficient enough.
It was really warm, almost 30°C. Especially on these warm days, I appreciate my helmet, which is so well ventilated. Although I made sure to drink fluids regularly, I felt the first cramps in my legs. The transfer leg to special stage 4 was again long. I finally got to the refreshment area and hydrated myself.
In the 4th special stage, I managed a rather good run with few mistakes, but again I lacked the desired efficiency.
On the final transfer leg leading to the finish line for the final time control, I felt cramps in both my legs again. The pain was so severe that I began to disbelieve in my ability to gain control within the allotted time. Luckily Jared Graves was with me. He encouraged me to relax and keep pedaling lightly. I finally reached the finish line in time. I'd gotten away with a mere scare again.
Recovery was now my top priority: drink plenty of fluids and go to bed early in the hope of being in shape again the next day. At the end of the first day I was in 1th place and therefore really far from my goal. I was really in a bad mood.
When I woke up after a good night's sleep, I felt really good. That was better that way, because a good 20 km long climb awaited us.
On this second day, I paid extra attention to staying hydrated.
From the 5th stage, the 1st of the day, I felt a lot better than the day before. I really tried to drive clean and the result was what I expected as I finished second best on this special.
There was one last special stage to be mastered. It should be the longest and most difficult of the weekend. As I drove to the start with Jared, he described this final stage to me as if it were the last day of school before the holidays. And that's exactly what it was!
So I went for my last run. I tried my best and felt good. I kept my mistakes within limits and crossed the line with the third best time! I had managed to limit the damage. A 7th place for the weekend and my 3rd place in the season standings underpinned. What an excitement!
It's difficult to describe the satisfaction I felt with Jared and Damien on the podium, but the big smile on my face spoke for itself. The end of a long season with lots of ups and downs, but that's the way it is to compete. In the end, I have no regrets and am satisfied that I tried everything.
I was also very happy about my Trek team partner Tracy Moseley's victory in the overall women's classification and of course about our 1st place in the team classification.
A big thank you to my family and my sponsors. Trek Factory Racing, Fox Racing Shox, Shimano, Bontrager, MET, Bluegrass, Adidas eyewear, Stages power meters, CNP.
See you next year for revenge!
-justin-
Photos: Jeremie Reuiller.