Great to be back racing
By Jonny Walker on 31st Jan 14
I AM writing this column on the Friday evening before the fourth round of the SuperEnduro World Championship in Mexico and the season is now definitely in full flow.
Although there wasn't much of a Christmas break it feels good to be back on track and racing again.
Christmas was a laid-back affair but the festive period ended with a trip to the hospital.
Nothing overly serious but I went under the surgeon's knife on New Year's Eve to fix my elbow that had been giving me some grief.
Unfortunately the operation put my plans to race the Eddy's Xtreme at Tong on hold.
I had hoped to be fit enough in time to race it but because the stitches were coming out later than originally expected I couldn't run the risk of riding.
It was disappointing because I usually enjoy that race and this year the track looked great.
Even though I couldn't take to the start line I still went down to check out the action.
It was cool to spend time mingling with people I don't normally get to hang out with because I'm racing.
Pretty much straight after Tong I was headed for the airport and round three of the SuperEnduro World Championship in Brazil.
The South American rounds are over two back-to-back weekends and leaving Brazil I felt I had ridden well – probably the best I had all season long.
I got two third-place results and led some laps but just missed out on the podium by two measly points.
I was on target for my first podium of the season until I landed on my man jewels in the water crossing.
It knocked the wind out of my sails and I ended up stalling the bike.
A couple of riders got past and I missed out on the taste of champagne.
We are now beginning the second half of the season and I have yet to get onto the podium. I really want it and I know it is well within my capabilities – I have just got to make my own luck a little better.
But with another four races on the bounce there will be no time to let off the gas.
We have got the Sucker Punch Extreme Enduro, the last two rounds of the SuperEnduro in Barcelona and France and of course Hell's Gate in Italy – the first Hard Enduro of the year.
It's going to be a busy stretch but I'm thirsty to get at it – I want that bottle of bubbly!
