This was my first attempt in the 3 Ring Circus and was not sure what to expect. Previous years I had been soft with the prospect of mid winter conditions and having my mindset biased towards the full marathon events. But 2013 was time to have a crack and set a target time of 2:20. There was plenty of fast competition so the plan was to try and hold on to the early pace and not to blow up in the process.

On the early morning drive to Wingello we watched the temperature suspiciously on the car dash and were grateful conditions on arrival were mild relatively speaking. Relaxed registration and short warm up completed and very quickly it was time to line up for the start with Wayne and Gazza.

Off and racing into the blue loop and come halfway through I was sitting around 25th and watching the wheel just in front and didn't immediately notice a split was forming. I tried hard to get back on the lead group but couldn't bridge the gap. Not the best way to start but thankfully I picked up Wayne as we came up to transition for the first time. The heart was thumping and the fast guys were gone I thought, but Wayne wisely reminded me that there was a long way to go yet.

Heading off into the red loop I was in auto pilot heading for the usual first single track section and just about rode straight past the first turn down the hill. We soon settled down with a small group and seemed to be making some ground on the riders ahead as we climbed the grassy hill and then into the single track. A bit of a train formed and wishing it was quicker through the sniggle but not to be, as the Wall loomed ahead. Unfortunately I broke traction on the Wall and stopped while Wayne rode away but I was immediately joined by Brian for the next section. The single track was providing plenty of grip and felt great and managed to get back to Wayne's wheel as we encountered some more traffic. We surged to the front for the last single track section before transition, or so I thought when the course variations just about caught me out again, with another surprise turn and descent into the valley again and the testing climb back to camp.

On to the yellow loop, a regroup and chance for some sustenance before pushing on. Looking at the clock I thought my target time would not be possible and questioned myself if there would be a price to pay for earlier efforts. The climbs were tough and the bunch broke up while I willed on my legs to keep a steady tempo. As the the top of the KOM climb came a couple of riders came into view and managed to reel them in before the road home. Now I was on my own and Wayne and another rider were 400m up the road and I chased hard and fortunately managed to catch them on the rise. I was gasping by this stage and was expecting them to draw away again but we held together and pulled in another young rider ahead. I couldn't see anyone ahead or behind and with 3kms to go I was expecting the young guys to crank up the pace for the run to the line. No moves were coming so I put on a short burst and it was only Wayne that could come until I ran wide on the corner and all back together again. We pushed it down the last hill and I got a gap again which managed to hold to the finish.

It was great to ride together with Wayne for most of race and cross the line together, thanks mate ! I hope we can do it some more.

And then to offer congratulations to Gazza and Mark at the finish for their great rides and discover they had taken out top positions for Masters. Great stuff Gazza ! Then the completely unexpected news.......I had finished 3rd ! Wow, my first solo podium result.

A beautiful winter day in the southern highlands and thanks to the Wildhorizons team and all the competitors for making it a great event.

And a big thanks to all the SXC team for sharing the riding and encouragement.