Rotorua heralded the start of the new season and the end of Daylight Saving Time in New Zealand in equal measure. The days were getting shorter and the temperatures were clearly pointing to the beginning of autumn. The social media started filling up with race results again and I couldn't wait to get back into competition.
I started to prepare for the second race of the EWS keeping an eye on the climate conditions in Ireland. This year was a special year for me as Tory and I decided to settle down in Finale Ligure for the remaining races to enjoy the Italian summer together with our son. Packing your suitcase for six months isn't exactly easy, but once you're on the plane, you've made it.
I had planned to arrive in Ireland a good week before the race to better digest the time difference. Luca and Tory had a cold before they left. It hit me when we arrived in Europe. After the first ride on the bike it only got worse and I spent the next few days in bed. I recovered just in time for the reconnaissance trips. The track offered a mix of fast and more technical sections.
With the latter, it would be important not to lose too much speed. Despite the low altitude in Ireland, the route was very interesting. Due to the relatively generous time window for the connecting sections and average gradients of 5 to 7%, the race quickly earned the nickname "social" enduro.
The scouting was tough at first, but I felt really good pretty quickly. I decided to ride each special stage twice, which equated to two long MTB days. I hoped the pent-up fatigue would be overcome with some good exploration. The program included 54 km and 2000 meters of altitude difference for Friday and 45 km and 1600 meters of altitude difference for the following day.
According to the weather forecast, the sun should shine on the day of the race.
Still, I chose a clear lens for my goggles because of the shady sections. Due to the stone slabs in the upper part of the track, mild weather came in handy!
The 1st special stage was of the caliber "full throttle, hold out and yes don't brake". The day started well for me with second time behind Barel. The 2nd special stage was the longest and most strenuous. Large slabs in the upper part and a lot of pedaling afterwards. People came en masse and we even had a helicopter overhead. We felt like rock stars! I gave everything I had, but it was only enough for 4th place.
The 3rd special stage also started on stone slabs but with a headwind on a much flatter track. The route was chaotic with lots of rocks and a high risk of punctures. I managed well and won this special stage. The 4th special stage should be followed by a short break with a meal. For this reason, I must have been in a hurry to arrive. I won my 2nd special stage of the day and took the lead in the overall standings. But the day was still long. I stayed focused. I started the 5th special stage a little too hard and just avoided a fall. However, I lost precious seconds.
I kept driving, trying as best I could not to take any unnecessary risks. I finally finished 8th. The 6th special stage appealed to me the most. Fast, rock strewn, insane crowd, almost like a DH! Unfortunately, my start was similar to that of the previous special stage. I was in danger of falling and lost my rhythm. I was 7th. Then it was time for the last special stage. I felt good, no technical problems. I didn't know where I was in the overall standings, but I knew that a crash or flat tire would be devastating. I had to drive smart. Easier said than done, but my run was clean and I finished it happy and relieved.
The atmosphere in the finish area was indescribable. The local hero of the race, Greg Callaghan, had outclassed me on the last three special stages and consequently won the general classification. Thanks to my second place, I was still able to climb from fourth to second place in the 2015 Tour after two races. Reason enough to be satisfied all in all! Until the next race in Scotland!