My 2nd Xterra of the season takes me to Portugal, I spent 2 days with a friend in Porto, perfect time for the last sessions before the competition. Thursday we went early south - to Golegã. We visited the 36km long mountain bike route, the countless trails and technical downhills. Then a short session in the water. On Friday we went on the 6km run, which also had water passages.
The starting signal for the race was fired on Saturday at 10 a.m. sharp, it was carnage. 200 athletes started the race at the same time. There were 2 laps of 750m each and a 100m run in between.
I came out of the water in 18th place, now it was a matter of making up the lost time. The first 12km on the bike were relatively flat and fast and I was able to make up a few places, followed by a maze of narrow trails and steep technical climbs and descents. It wasn't always easy to overtake, but I was still in the top 5 after half the distance. But my progress towards the front didn't stop there. Together with my longtime friend from Portugal - Tiago Maia, I came back to the 2nd transition zone.
We started the run in 3rd and 4th place, after a few 100m it was clear who had the fresher legs and I was able to pull away at the front.
After the 1st of the 2 laps I was only one minute behind the 2nd place. I gave everything, and with the second fastest bike and running time, I finally crossed the finish line in 3rd place. A great result in such a young racing season.
Next stop: Xterra Belgium European Championship in 3 weeks.