Where does the time go? It doesn't feel like a year since we were last lining up in St Albans for this great race. A few different faces this time around however, sadly no Brian or Wayne, but Phil B, Minter and Chitts were all back having missed out last year for various reasons.

Prior to this race I knew that I was going ok, a good race at CP followed by a bit of a lull and then a ramp up in training with intervals and harder long rides. A couple of years ago I was mainly doing my own thing when riding and training but more recently am getting a lot more enjoyment out of riding with friends.. and that seems to be coming through in my results. My goals for the race were under 4:20 and no higher than a top 10, having finished last year in 4:33 I thought this was tough but achievable.

My routine for this race is 3:30am alarm, espresso, drive to St Albans, register and get ready, chat with friends, couple of rides up the finish road and then to the start area. This all went to plan, except I woke at 2:30am and didn't sleep thereafter, so an already long day was going to be one hour longer..

I lined up in the first wave and we were soon riding, the start was much less nervous than prior years and I managed to stay towards the front of the group without much stress, even managing a chat with a couple of people. On the run up to the first climb I put in a bit of effort wanting to be in the front few riders knowing that there was a high likelihood of stopping. I ended up in about 8-10th wheel but inevitably someone lost traction and we were all off our bikes. A brief hike then back on and grinding our way to the top. I saw Paris, Minter and another guy get away and I ended up in the 2nd group with Tristan, Garry James and about 6-7 others and that was us set until the GNR. On the run in to 10 mile hollow there were 5 of us and I nipped around a Tristan and Stu Adams (?) wanting to get into transition and a head start on refilling bottles. Unfortunately this was where I lost the group. I wanted to get back onto the group and pushed, without going to deep, up half way hill climb but couldn't close the gap so rode alone from there knowing that I had to keep something in reserve for Womerah. I nearly lost it going down Shepherds Gully but kept it upright and rode nervously to the bottom.

Turning onto the road after the bridge I could see Ondrej and Garry James behind and pushed on trying to stay ahead. The road section seemed into a headwind and felt tough. Turning onto the hill I was passed by Ordrej and then one of the elite riders pulled up in front of me with their 3rd puncture of the day, I offered my tube and tools and said he'd have to find me at the end as I was pushing on. Whilst assisting, Garry went passed me and then I was back on the bike catching up, we ended up riding most of Womerah together, chatting at times when we could for motivation, talking about how Womerah sucks at that point in the race but how good the Epic 29'ers were. I managed to put some time between us on the final descent but he caught and passed me heading to the river crossing. I gapped him again having run through the sand but he showed his strength on the flats passing me on the run in.

I crossed the line with 4:18 on my Garmin, even getting a mention from Anthony on the mic, thanks Ant :) . Taking stops into account took me 36 seconds over my 4:20 target, given the stop to help out i was pretty much on my goal. I wasn't sure of my placing at the end and thought there was an outside chance of a podium but seeing I was 4th in cat was in no way a disappointment and I am very happy with my result.

A few notable mentions, Minter and Paris for winning their age groups and especially Minter for breaking 4 hours, truly amazing.
Doc for 9th in Vets and beating last years time. Well done to all that finished, another enjoyable day at St Albans (and no rain, how good was that).

Looking forward to seeing everyone back next year.