After a 4-week break from training in November, I really wanted to ride a race again… even if it was just in training! So, I made my way to Hamburg/Hummelsbüttel on December 9th, for the 4th run of the Stevens Cross Cup.

Upon arrival, I ran into my teammate Leif to my delight (misery loves company).

Due to the weather conditions of the past few days, we weren't sure whether to laugh or cry, after inspecting the track. At exactly 2:20pm, the race of the elite division, over 9 laps, began. Around a foot of mud made about a third of the track impossible to maneuver, so extended passages on foot were accepted as normal.

The initial feelings of disgust faded and the "who-cares-attitude" developed quickly, once we were filthy. So, we fought our way through the morass, lap after lap, disregarding all losses.

Leif finished in 16th, and I in 14th, place. Let's see if things go better next week, in Bad Bevensen.

See you then,

André Zamponi