Everyone was very quiet at the breakfast table this morning. All you could hear was the rain pounding down on the rooftop. We all know the risks that are involved with racing in the rain and we all know that we must prepare for an epic day ahead. The winds are gusting over 100kph and the rain is steady, the only saving grace is that it feels much warmer than the past two days. We have a very long two hour transfer to the start this morning. We will be spending most of that time looking out the windows for a break in the clounds and hoping for dryer roads.

The race itself was full on and we never once eased up. The constant attacks along with the rain and wind wore down on everyone. By the time we hit the finishing circuits it only took one acceleration to shatter the field.  The circuit itself is as hard as it gets. Steep hills, up to 23% grade, and very small and twisty roads. It must be something to watch on TV, and I feel it is what we need more of in the sport. The fans were amazing as well. I couldn’t even hear myself think on St. Patrick’s Hill it was so loud.

Marco and I continued our solid riding here in Ireland by making the front group on the first lap through Cork. The conditions were so bad in Cork that the race was shortend from three laps to two. So we spent the final forty kilometers trading blows between the eight of us in the front.  Every hill or turn guys would get dropped only to return a few minutes later. It really was an epic battle.

With five kilometers to go the two strongest guys rode away and left us to sprint for 3rd. I ended up 4th, a result I am very happy with. It truely was a hard man’s race, so I have to be content with my performance.

All signs are now pointing to good form coming into Nationals next week. Ill have extra motivation racing in front of my family and friends.