Willingen Bike Festival

Last friday was a bit hectic. Sara had to work till 16hrs and we still had 400kms to drive to Willingen.

Our bike friends from Zaes Rotwild Team made sure we had our start accreditation alright and our goodie bag.

After a wet and rainy ride,

I expected the worst for saturday, but at our arrival at Willingen, everything was dry.

No rain there till then. Fingers crossed...

Start was already at 0730hrs (which is terribly early) but thanks to our friends from Fizik, we obtained a starting number for the A block. This should make a big difference compared to last year where we were at the back of the B block. This time not 1000 bikers in front of us, so we could start building up the pace right from the start. No traffic jams at the first single trail for us this year.

Weather was fine, dry and sunny... Sara was in shape, and rode really well. On the technical parts she was a lot faster then other girls. And in the downhill sections Sara was ripping it. Some guys who were behind her told her she was crazy.

Not knowing which distance other girls were attempting, made me worry a little. The race becomes tactical after the first lap, because everyone can choose his distance during the race (55, 97 or 121kms). We were prepared for the longest one.

After 80kms I had a down moment and a long track uphill against a steady wind made me suffer. I told Sara she should race on with the other guys who were in our little group, and didn't had to wait and look back for me.

At that point Sara decided to finish on the 97kms. 

Sara finished on the second spot in the elite category and 3rd place in the scratch.

Wonderful performance knowing she was only a few minutes behind the first lady.

The rest of the day we were relaxed, because we would stay till sunday to get a peak at the bike festival.

Price ceremony was at 1600hrs.

On sunday we met our sponsors from Fizik and Crankbrothers.

Always a pleasure to see that our German friends are glad to see us.

COSMIC SPORTS

FIZIK & CB

CANYON

We received VIP passes and a free dinner in the VIP area.Thanks Rainer; and cheers.

The Willingen bike festival is a great organisation, and we're looking forward to next participation already. Would be nice to see my girl on the highest spot on the podium once...
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