Date: 15-Sept.-2007
Location: Magog, QC -
Report:
Well Cyclocross season has begun with the first Quebec Cup in Magog, QC. The day could not be
any nicer, with mild temps and one of the best courses on the circuit. The course was a well balanced mix of fast open section, proper barriers for dismounting (5 sections @ 18” high each and 2 barriers per section) and a natural barriers in the form of a muddy section with logs and 2 run ups. All these elements were assembled according to cyclocross tradition, this meaning it wasn’t simply a shorten up mountain bike course. The group I was racing was a combined start of the Elite, Experts and Masters, with me starting in the Masters. Total we were about 40 guys taking the start. At the gun, I went into the first section of single track in about 15th position and settled into my pace until the first run up about 3 minutes into the race. During the run up I noticed a lot of the guys might of went out too hard and were already starting to suffer, so I moved up to +/- 10th and then settled in for the first lap. Once a lap had been done, I am always more comfortable because I now knew how the track was at speed. Now I had the confidence to start working on moving up. After about 5 more laps I moved up into 6th place and keeping steady with the 5th place rider who happed to be the Quebec Champion in the Elites. I figured this was good company. We stayed together the 
majority of the race all the while keeping 4th and 3rd close in site. Heading into the last 2 laps we started in put in attacks on each other and tried to catch the riders ahead. These acceleration cause him to pinch flat allowing me to comfortable take the 5th spot. After he flatted I decided it would be wiser to conserve a good position rather than risk the same outcome as he had, so I put it on cruise control and enjoyed the full last lap by myself and slotted into 5th overall for the day / 2nd in the masters. The Master’s rider who finished ahead of me is from Ont. Therefore I guess I am leading the series. I’ll work to keep it during the next stop on the Quebec Cyclocross calander in Chateauguay, QC on the 30th. Wish me luck.Later
Eric Lemaire
