It is only now hitting me what a day I had on Sunday. I must admit it was quite the whirlwind. From checking out of one hotel, warming up, racing, packing up the bikes, returning the rental car, checking into a new hotel and then collapsing for the night – I was on one big adrenaline rush. Needless to say, I didn’t sleep that well on Sunday. Kind of felt like my body was still racing. It took a long time for my body and brain to slow down from the action of the day.

Suppose this is a sign of a really good day. After thinking more about the race, I’m content with the race. Of course, I still want to do better. But it is early days yet in the season and I know I’ll do better in the subsequent World Cup races.

All in all, it was a most excellent trip. I’m sure some people were shaking their heads, thinking I was crazy to go so far for one race. But the trip was worth it. I gained some valuable race experience. I got to race with some of the best racers in the world and definitely the deepest field I’ve raced against this season. Extra bonus are the UCI and World Cup points. Cool.

Many thanks for all the kind emails that appeared in my inbox this morning. What a feeling to read you words of support and encouragement. Definitely nice to read after a long travel day today.

So now I’m in St. Albert, Alberta (a suburb of Edmonton). My bikes arrived, so this is good news. I have not put them together yet. I decided to listen to Marc’s advice and wait until tomorrow morning when I’m not so wiped out to put them together. I lucked out and I’m staying with friends of a friend for a few days. Definitely a very welcoming environment and it is super refreshing to not be in a hotel alone again. On Wednesday I’ll move over to the race hotel, since Marc arrives then. So for now I’m going to get a good night of sleep and then get out for a spin tomorrow.

Definitely a bit chilly here. But that’s okay. In a way I don’t mind after racing in the ridiculous heat on the weekend. Let me tell you, 26 celsius is not pleasant for a cyclo-cross race! But this being said, I have no interest in seeing snow flakes this week…

Alright, I’m going to sign off. I haven’t had a chance to look for photos from the race on Sunday yet… When I find some, I’ll post up some links here. (If you find photos, feel free to post the link in the comments section.) Okay, must get some sleep.