Yesterday I defended my U23 cross-country title. It feels pretty good the second time around. We raced three laps of the altered Mt. Snow course. Much of the technical climbing was replaced with some open steep ski run climbing. The descent seemed easier, or maybe it’s just that I’ve discovered I can run 5 less psi in my tires than last year. Although I guess the biggest change from years past is the weather. The Mt. Snow course was dry. No rain. No mud. No mud tires. The tree roots weren’t really a problem this year.

So here’s what happened. And for those of you who don’t like to read text. Here’s a picture.

TJ gets the photo credit on this one.

I won the start, then Jamie passed me at the top of the start loop climb. I followed her wheel down to the start/finish and halfway up the main loop climb. Then I passed her and tried really hard to open some daylight between us. As hard as I kept trying, she kept up the pace and continued up the climb just a few seconds from my wheel. I kept trying to lengthen the gap between us on the downhill, and since I managed not to make mistakes–it worked! Lap 2 I tried hard to settle into a pace and not think about Jamie chasing me down. After lap 2 I had a 30 second lead. I felt pretty good and knew that if I was smart about my efforts and rode safe on the downhill, I’d be alright. I finished with a 1′40″ ahead of second place.

Now I have a couple days to rest up for short track. I had a pretty crappy short track here last year so I’m setting the bar high for myself this weekend. I think it’s about time I wind up on a podium in an elite short track. I think it’s in me, I just need to ride smart and aggressive–and there’s no Canadians around this weekend. Hopefully I don’t jinx myself for saying anything.

Now I’m off to find some Vermonty Python Ben & Jerry’s Ice Cream. It’s delicious and only in Vermont.