I think I left Stellenbosch right in time before the big storm hit the Western Cape last week! I must say that it feels great to be in Sweden for the summer now. It was nice to see my parents again after the long 25 hour trip from Stellenbosch to Falun. It is always good to change scenery again after 9 months away.

There were lots of activities going on at Lugnet, the big outdoor stadium in Falun, during the weekend. For the first time ever the Scandinavian outdoor games was held here in Falun, lots of competitions in different sports like running, paddling, rock climbing, adventure racing and of course moutainbiking. We were out last on Sunday afternoon, the race was called Långa Lugnet and it has been in Falun before but stopped after the 2006 race, which was also a World cup race. The new route was awesome, very challenging with a mix of everything, gravel roads, single tracks, ups and downs etc. The race was also one of the national series races.

The start was hectic as usual, some guys crashed right in front of me within the first 500 meters so when I got going I was already far back, I pushed hard to get up to Emmy when we started the first climb. We were together for most of the first loop on the gravel roads, she got a small gap on the first single track since some guys came in between us. I saw her now and then but she slowly but surely drifted away. When I went out on the second loop I heard 30 seconds, then 50 seconds, then 1 minute etc. I tried as hard as I could but the legs were just not there that day. When I went out on the third loop it was 1,5 minute and I felt that I was not catching anything, so I just rode and enjoyed the handbuilt new single tracks! They were absolutely awesome!!

I finished second 3,5 minutes down, I was disappointed that the legs were not there since the route would have suited me, lots of short power climbs and single tracks, a perfect combination!

At least I got some good news the day after when I got a phone call to let me know that I was selected for the national team for the MTB Marathon World Championship in Austria in the end of June! I am really looking forward to that!