Maddie Fisher
Pan American Championships
As we drove into the venue of this race course, Pan Ams, I settled into the feeling of a crisp, damp morning. Nobody had arrived at the course yet, just a few crew members taping up the finishing pieces. The course remained untouched by racered since the prior evening. The unpredictable Montana weather had in store for us a slippery, technical race.
As I headed out on my first recon lap I noticed that despite how packed the dirt looked, it was slick underneath. I quickly learned my limits on the bike within the first turn. As I continued I also realized mid’s were not the move on this terrain when wet. As I headed into the most technical part of the course, the off camber, I hit the rut as planned. After slipping out I decided to walk the rest for a safe call. Then, I unexpectedly slipped and slammed my eye to my hoods. I couldn't see much, just some tears. I then made my way off the course to call that lap a day.
After a really rough pre-ride, resulting in a nasty black eye, I continued to not lose all hope. I started warming up with a hopeful but worried mind. I thought about it and knew that I could probably predict how the race went down, but instead I wanted to be more. I wanted to be extraordinary. Besides the slips on the course, everything was set up for me. I was a guest in the Team Stampede tent with an amazing set up and my mechanics and coaches were here for me. I knew I could make this day memorable.
Lining up in the second row as a result of a weird start to the season, I thought I chose the right spot. The whistle blows and the pack goes but suddenly I slam into the back of a racer's wheel. As soon as I manage to untangle myself I prepare to fight when I realize the pack has already mostly gone. I sprint my way to the pinch spot and take a risky fast line. It pays off. All I had in my head was “fight.”
The next thing I know I'm sitting mid pack behind a small group of drafting girls. I hear Coach Geoff yell, “win your group!” I knew that's what I would do. We approached the off-camber for the second to last time. The group took the upper line running in a pace line through the feature. I took the lower line and booked it. I passed all of them and attacked as soon as I got back on the bike. I knew it was a risky move and I was scared to do it. But I wanted to be extraordinary. I found that finding the limits of your bike and yourself on the course was necessary.
I finished strong with seventh place. I was proud of myself. Proud of not giving up and staying resilient and having tenacity. I believed in myself and never stopped racing, that was enough. I took away what I could from the race while down beneath I was still wanting more. I am excited to now head overseas to Troyes and Dublin to see what I can do on my bike. I am proud of myself for racing like I wanted, with tenacity. I think Pan Ams was an amazing course and beautiful place. There was no better place to be with great company. I look forward to next week and to race this again next year.
