The second world cup of the season took place in Willingen, Germany. I was looking forward to race there, especially since a lot of my friends and family came out to watch me race. After my second place in 4-cross in Spain I decided to focus on 4-cross again this weekend. The course suited me very well resulting me qualifying fastest on Friday during the qualifications.
Saturday evening we had the 4-cross race. After the start gate broke part way through competition on Saturday night, the decision was made to finish the competition after the downhill on Sunday. Unfortunately, the electronic gate couldn't be fixed (rain the night before had damaged the circuitry). The officials decided the heats would be run manually ("ready-set-go"). The men decided not to race this way.
The women appeared to be in the same situation, however, a few riders decided to race, and the UCI announced that World Cup points would be awarded. This pushed other riders into participating and eventually 10 riders took part. Everything was very confusing.
The UCI was telling us that 'the race was going to take place no matter what'. I asked my team manager what I should do, and he said
' I want you in the gate, this is a race.'.
I won the finals!!!!…I did not know how to express myself when I crossed the finish line. I was happy because I won a World Cup but on the other hand I had a weird feeling of everything that was going on with the UCI.
Afterwards, riders clustered around officials and race organizers, many saying that the race should be cancelled, but the decision was firm - the race had taken place. I went on to the podium and we protested by turning or backs to the small crowd that had stayed on to the bitter end.
Special thanks for all the people that stayed out there and cheered for me. That mend a lot to me!!
Greetings, Anneke
