| Last weekend I competed in the Boyne Mountain Grinder xc ski race. It was a shorter 12K race. That was fine with me because the start of the race takes it out of you. The starting line is at the bottom of a ski run and you climb to the top of the mountain right from the beginning. I’m guessing it’s 3/4 of a mile up, with no flats to catch your breath. Ascending the hill I was pushing but not too hard, there was plenty of race left after the climb. Milan and John Goble were battling it out in front to become the first to the top. There was a $50 gift certificate to the first male and female skiers to the top regardless of overall finishing place. It appeared both Milan and Goble wanted that prize. Milan edged out Goble to the summit and I was a little bit behind them leading a group of maybe 3 or 4 skiers. At the top I put a little distance on me and the group and soon had Goble in my sights. It was clear early that Milan would be finishing 1st barring a large mishap. I wanted to catch Goble who I have never beaten. I caught Goble halfway through the first lap of the 2 lap race. I decided to ski behind him because last week I went out too hard too early and I think it cost me some places in the standings. Being behind Goble for a few minutes I was getting ansy to pick up the pace a bit and thought the group behind was probably closing in. I decided to pass and go into 2nd place. I was feeling good and putting a gap between Goble and me. I could see Milan ahead but was not closing the gap. I ended up finishing 2nd, my best finish to date and also probably had my best race. I must mention that some of the usual front-runners were not there because the Birkie xc ski race was being held on the same day. With that said, Goble finished 2nd on this same course earlier in the season when everyone was there. So, I feel pretty good about my 2nd and can’t wait for the day it’s a 1st.  Milan is the first to the top (and overall winner). This entry was posted in rider blogs. Bookmark the permalink. Post a comment or leave a trackback: Trackback URL. |
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