Hey again,
I've just spent a great week in Switzerland, first racing an E2 swisspower cup in Perrifit, and finally an E1 swisspower cup Hasliberg.
The first race was a mud disaster, and super cold. After 3 laps with terrible legs, a big chunk of mud in my eye and a number of wipeouts on the slick grass I decided to call it a day. Better to take care of my cough then finish 5-6th and get sick again!
The weather then became hot again, so I hit the mountains to do a couple of fantastic high pass rides.. I just love doing that! Then I spent three days in Hasliberg, which is a very picturesque resort above lake Thun. The race went well, and I managed to hang with Christophe Sauser for 3 laps before Adam Craig caught up and put down the hammer. Nothing was stopping Christophe though, as he cruised home for the win. After almost blowing I regained my rhythm to finish 3rd, and make a nice international podium.. (swiss, usa, nzl). My cough finally seems to be getting better, what a relief!
Next two weekends are world cups, so lets get ready to rumble!!!


mtb riding above Hasliberg

08 May 2005: World Cup #2, Madrid
Finally a race without too much coughing, and some good legs too! I ended up 11th in another long hot race. I'm still not completely well, but it is getting a lot better. I am quite sure the problem is related to a pollen allergy, and we had some wind on race day which probably helped a lot. It was also scorching hot, around 32dC with no shade, and that I do love :) The race went well from the start (for a change!) and I managed to sneak up from my 40th start position into the top 25 after 1 lap. From here this race was all about pacing and drafting as much as possible. I stayed calm and slowly other riders blew, or had problems and I gradually moved up the field.
For most of the race to first 10 riders stayed together, and then with 3 laps left there were 5. With half a lap remaining they were still all together. Christoph Sauser attacked, and Julien counter attacked and held off for another victory for Bianchi.. absolutely awsome stuff!
Before my race I managed to sneak out and watch the girls race, as we had 3 kiwi's in the field! They all did well, especially Rosara Joseph who managed 26th place in her first ever European race. Sonia Foote finished just behind in 27th and Robyn Wong 32nd

I also got to see my dad again, as he coordinated his busy travel schedule so that he was in Madrid at the same time as me. He of course came to watch me racing, and we went to Starbucks a few times (soy chai, yum yum), and were together for his birthday which was a nice coincidence. My father has been on a European tour since July last year, traveling to more places then you could care to imagine, so it was great to catch up again.

I got a bunch more photos too, so check out the new photo albums page. By the way, most of the great race shots taken of me and my team are from the photographer Marco Trabalza. I think you can agree, he's not too bad eh! If anyone wants to use any of these photos for publication, please contact me personally and I will arrange things.

All the best
Kashi


The kiwi contingent, with guest star John Lee, who came down to see the action. Photo: Arne Leuchs