Ben and Paul go to Israel

We had a short flight over from cyprus with some hard racing and training done it was time to take on Israel! We started our time here with an interesting journey from Tel Aviv airport to Haifa. Managing to wander off in the west bank and be stopped and questioned by armed soldiers started the excitement off. Finally we made it to Haifa at 4am, after what should have been an hours drive turned in to 5 hours!

With a few hours sleep we awoke the next morning to beautiful skies, and 25C weather. We were straight off to ride the two courses we would be racing on back to back days. The first was in Mishmar Hamek. The course was a short but steep one, with tough granny ring climbs and smooth flowing descents with lots of sessioning to be done. We both enjoyed the course and were looking forward to racing it the next day.

The next course was in Haifa its self and from the start was tough climbing, very technical and full-on. After riding the course and taking it all in the focus was on the race the following day and hopefully some points!

On arrival again the weather was scorching reaching a high of 31C! As we warmed up, it was obvious that hydration would be key to todays race and with that we drank 3L each before racing, Hydrated and ready to go we gridded up, with numerous National champions on the line from all over this was to be a tough race. Paul got off to a great start working his way from the back to the front. Unfortunately I got caught up behind a crash at the start and while to sprint back to the front group my chain slipped and I smashed my knee which on the next lap ceased up and put me out of the race. Paul continued to go strong picking people off before sitting in a group for the rest of the race. Not a great start to the racing for me but tomorrow will be a good day!

We arrived at the Haifa course to find more people on the start list, this would make for an even tougher race. Feeling good from the start I worked my way from the back to about half way through the field. Feeling strong I continued to push on and make places but once again a chain slip and the mechanical continued throughout the race eventually leaving me to be lapped. For Paul the race also went badly, with a good start also battling for position, the hard racing and heat from the previous day had got to him and he had nothing in his legs, so decided to rest up ready for the last race while we are here in Israel. Disappointing for the both of us, but both showing good form and looking forward to the final race. Now some resting in the sun on the beach to be done, a few spin offs then hopefully a solid final ride in Misgav!

 

 

Advertisement