We arrived at the race 1.5hrs early so that we were able to walk stages 1,2 and half of 3. I appreciated the chance to see the stages as there were no practices runs for this race.
As I was in the queue for the start of the race I was feeling really excited to get riding and have a great time.
I was set off to start on stage 2 and told myself to take it easy on the first run.
My first run on stage 2 set off to a good start with a decent pace, the track was good but not ridden in yet so was tricky to work out lines therefore on an off camber turn I went out wide and lost some time. The second run was faster.
The subsequent runs on stage 1 went well, the track had been better ridden in so line choice was easier. I was able to set a good time for both of the runs.
Stage 3 was next the first corner was looser than I expected so front wheel slid out but I saved it with my foot down. A sandy berm caught me off guard but I managed to stay on track. The rest of the run was fast.
I was flying in the second run until I caught up with another rider which cost a couple of seconds. I was able to pick up the pace once I passed them.
Stage 5 was next, I really enjoyed it as it was a mix of flow and tech on both runs I got a good start, then was able to keep the pace throughout the whole run. Both runs were consistent.
Stage 4 was last, it went well, I pushed as hard as I could. It was another nice track.
I ran a couple of re runs on stages 1&2 to try and improve my time, happy to have made my way to 4th position. A great day riding.