I like Ruhpolding. I have decided that it is a pretty neat place. The atmosphere is amazing with all the fans and the excitement that is reverberating from the crowd is just incredible. I have a problem in Ruhpolding that I cannot stop smiling when training, and even racing. I just really enjoy it here.
The conditions were perfect on race day: No wind and fast tracks. Our race was not until 5:30pm and I did not start until 6:10pm. It is tough when racing so late because you have to try and do nothing, or very little, all day and not think to much about what is coming up. I headed to the range at 3pm and tested my skis, which Ukraine waxed phenomenally, as usual! I was starter 88 out of 118 which was alright. I had been feeling a bit sick for the last two days in my stomach and gobbled down 3 pieces of bread before my race just to try to settle it. I guess it worked because I felt much better once start time came.
I hit all 5 prone and was so excited! Woo...clean. I have been training since I was 13 in biathlon, and it is still so exciting when I shoot clean. I think it will always be exciting to hit all the targets, no matter what! I hit 4 standing, so 9/10! Yes- I was pumped-olad!
My skiing felt fine, legs were a bit tired but I think everyone's are after those dang hills. Why do I like Ruhpolding again....oh right, because of the atmosphere, because it sure isn't the course- It's a toughy!
I ended up 87th, which is my 3rd best result on World Cup.
I am staying with Anna Carin Oloffson-Zidek, Tom Zidek and their son Liam and Petr Zidek. It's nice because we can cook our own meals and just chill and hang out. So, I was 87th and Anna won the womans sprint, so I am sharing a house with a superstar. Hopefully some of her powers will rub off on me! Haha.
Anyways, I am off to Italy on Sunday for the next World Cup and then home to Canada! Woot woot!
Hey Sarah,
ReplyDeleteI just got home from Ruhpolding and wanted to share this nice photo of Mark and you :)
http://vogt-neuenbuerg.de/photos/ruhpolding-2010_spritzenhaeusl_small.jpg
It should have made "click" a little earlier, but I needed Marks pin till I got it. Maybe you can sent him the best wishes and thanks. The beer got drunk anyway *g*.
I think you just got a few more supporters here in Germany. We're holding the thumbs for Antholz and of course for your semi-home olympics.
Don't forget how to ride the bob sleigh and the Cowboys & Indians... *g*
Greetings
-Sascha-