05 Sep - SwissPower Cup, Bern
Result: Short track 2nd, XC 3rd

Its been a tough week having to accept that my Olympic dreams are over, and trying to find the motivation to continue focusing 100% for worlds next weekend. I decided to do this Swiss Cup to try and gather some confidence back. I didn't realize how strong the field would be though! There was Christoph Sauser, Cedric Ravanell, Fredrik Kessiakoff, Stephan Sam, Sid Taberely, Thomas Frischknecht, just to name a few. We started off with a short track, held on a nice grassy course, which was just slick enough to have riders washing out all over the show. With just 20min to race, and a lot of prize money up for grabs, everyone was fighting hard. I managed to avoid a few spills, and came into the last lap with a group of four riders. I was in 3rd on the final hard climb, and just as I tried to come past Sid and Susi almost crashed together. I had to slow up, and Sid got a gap. Finally I sprinted past Susi in the home straight for a 2nd place, my best to date in these short track races!

The XC was a super nice course with great single track descents and steep gravel road climbs. My legs were good, but when Cedric put down the hammer on the first lap, I decided it was too hard. Instead I paced myself, dropping back for the 2nd lap, but then on the 3rd lap I managed to pull them back again. Finally the efforts got to much, and when Susi attacked on the last lap I had nothing to respond. Still, I am happy with the form... if only I could have had this race last weekend! Oh well... this weekend will be fine as well!

At this stage I am unsure if I will race the team relay on Wednesday, as it depends on my recovery from this weekend. Otherwise we race on Sunday afternoon after the woman.  ¶ 11:47 PM