I am back on track, all cylinders are firing again!!!!! I was happy to have rehabbed my arm as fast as I did and then put it to the test. After getting my first two races in 6 weeks under me in Germany it was time to move to Italy. We packed up and drove down which was a real interesting drive. Once we woke up the next morning I was happy to see the sunshine and great trails as per usual in northern Italy.
It was time to ski easy and let my body recover I know that I had done a lot of training last 5 weeks so I just need to chill to get ready for the three day mini tour event from Friday to Sunday. Classic sprint -10km classic-15km skate. I was excited about the classic sprint. I could feel my body come around starting to feel snappier every day I was ready to race again. The classic prologue was almost perfect qualifying in 2nd 0.24 off the leader.
(photo credit Kevin Sandau)
Through the heats and right to the final I had control and could really finish strong, winning that day meant a lot to me. After being left off the world champs team (still don’t know why) and having my fractured arm made standing on the top step feel so good. Finally I am back and fighting to win again I was super pumped.
The following day was exciting as well being the leader and heading out with everyone chasing you really get’s the nerves going. I skied with two other Italians we where racing for the podium. They had a strong day and where really pushing the pace every lap to drop me. I skied strong but the last hill got me and they managed to put a small gap on me and I could not close it before the finish. Placing 3rd was satisfying, sweet two podiums I was a happy camper. The next day 15km skate not exactly my strong suite. I fought hard staying in the top ten finishing 7th. For me the skate was the best of the year.
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Coming home with those results under my belt felt good and now I can have two weeks of solid training to get ready for nationals in duntroon Ontario. It is not where I wanted to be at this time of year. But these are the cards I was dealt with, I do look forward to these races and can’t wait to race for the win.
