I was happy with most of my jumps, but got a little unlucky and didn’t have the exact same jump as some beforehand. All in all, I feel now that I can produce top quality jumps in competitions without too much pressure. Coming in to the race, I haven’t spent much time on roller-skis this year. After Russia, I only roller-skied to make sure I had some fitness going into the race. So with that being said, I was happy with my performance and glad to be on the podium at US Nationals for the first time.
After Nationals, it was time to put the grind of daily roller-skiing and running. This is a great time of year, as I kind of get into a great pattern of training and get going very early when its refreshing out. In this period we have had a couple Intensity training periods and quality jumping sessions. I feel even more confident with my jumps as I feel each session is productive and I can feel the changes I am making.
Last week was my last bike race of the year. It was my first stage race in the PRO 1-2 category of the year. I was really happy with my results as I was racing against some of the best elite riders in the western part of the country. I had a solid Time Trial with a placing of 16th. I had a strong Road Race on a very physically demanding course placing 14th. To top it off I placed 11th in a VERY fast criterium in downtown Steamboat Springs. Our field averaged 28.3 MPH for 60 minutes of racing. This isn’t a strong race for me as it can be very dangerous, and I am always focusing on skiing and don’t want to get hurt. Now that biking is over, I am excited and refreshed for the upcoming season and feel like I am in great shape for this time of year, but at the same time still have work to do!
Up next we are heading to Europe for a two week training camp to test equipment and meet with sponsors. I am very excited to see whats new out there, and if it will benefit our training and competitions.
So long,
Taylor
