2nd G3 Hill Race Win

This is a result to be proud of. Often women in mixed races don't get much opportunity to race head to head with each other. On this occasion, a South African girl from Team Optima, who had apparently not realised I had been in front of her in the first race of the series, was going to be in for the fight.

I knew that she was going to be going for it and so I had a race plan that I had discussed with my husband who has always been very mentally tough in races. The plan was.... to tuck in behind her from the start, work out were she was strong and where weak and then, not before half way, to pass her and take control of the race....

So, I tucked in as agreed and sat behind her for the first 2km....this brought us to a muddy section at the bottom of the biggest hill of the race (a seriously steep climb from the back of St Martha's hill up to the church). At this point, I couldn't contain myself any longer through the muddy section as all those around me were pussying about in the mud - so I went for it. Far too early, I know, but I knew I was strong in these muddy sections (X-talons making a big difference!)

Anyway - I pulled away a short distance and held this until we returned to the Church at 8km. I had been making sure I wasn't working all out and she pulled up next to me. We shot down the hill to the final climb to the finish (about 1km from the end). At this point it started to get muddy and slippy again. I was beginning to think I had blown it, but I started to pull clear. As soon as I realised this, I kicked for the finish and I worked hard all the way in.
I finished about 100m in front and it felt good.

I seriously think it would have been closer had she had Inov8's on....but I might not spread the word until the last race in the series is in the bag.....we shall see!