Here’s the race report from a jubilant – if suprised – Caroline Alexander of Team Specialized;
“After the rigours of Hewlitt Packard – a gruelling twelve day stage race , I was ready to put my feet up , but the opportunity for an off road work out after two weeks racing on skinny tyres was too good to pass up , especially as Deer Valley – the race venue was less than an hours flight from Boise .

Unfortunately for me and the other H.P. veteran’s the cross country race was held on Friday . I knew there was no way I could possibly be ready for action with a mere four days of recovery under my belt , so I planned to ride conservatively and brush up on my handling skills for the all important World Cup races to come .

As I have not competed in a NORBA race since 1997 , I had to start near the back of the grid . However the fire road climb out of the start would provide plenty of passing oppportunites .
Riding at my speed , I picked off all my rivals on the first ascent and entered the single track with good gap and that was that !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I felt totally in control , even on the technical sections . Time checks from marshals out on the course helped me to pace myself . Going into the final lap , I had over a minute lead on my nearest challenger , so I throttled back a little , desperate to follow the instructions of my coach , who begged me only to give 80 % .

At the finish I didn’t even feel like I had raced !

I guess it was just one of those special days that athletes dream about , but I’m positive there is more to come . Watch this space !