Maybe it was the couple glasses of red wine last night or the guy in the next room 'entertaining' his nightclub lady. Either way, I had a horrible sleep. And this time change thing was confusing since my phone, laptop and the room TV all changed automatically so only when I arrived at the car did I really know that I was on the right time. And that time was late.

Pump the tubdäck to 2.7 and take a test lap to see if I would slide like a crazy Chris Cross. It was okay. Head back to car. Realize Veteranklass was starting in 20 minutes. Hmm. No time for the spare bike. I was still fixing my clothes when everyone else was on the start line but I made it.

Only 18 started so I could sit på rulle directly on the long gravel path. I was still with everyone at the fun grass corner section but on the next long path most disappeared. This happens all the time. I did have two behind me and someone from CK Valhall in front so I just tried to keep going while my body was cursing me in Italian.

I was surprised at how many were saying 'Heja Chris!' and started to think I was some kind of kändis. Of course this blog does get many visitors from Stockholm and it felt like it today. Two friends were watching also and I will post their pics here soon.

Anyway, back to the race. In the middle I had built up quite a gap between myself and the last two guys but the grass section was tung. I slipped at the löphinder and hit the bike on it while jumping which knocked my chain off. I had a hell of a time getting it back on but I did and saw that the guys were only 25 m behind. So I flew along the grass corner part in the start area and just loved my Ridley for stability. By 2 laps to go, there was no chance they would catch me.

I was lapped but they let me continue and finish my last lap and boy what a lap that was! For training value, I gave it everything I had left. Who cares if I slid in the corners because I didn't brake? On the last lap everything goes. My legs were burning through the grass section but it went fast. And I was accelerating beautifully! Yes, I love my bike!

I finished 13th which I am damn proud of! I beat 2 people in grand style and 3 DNFs and maybe if I hadn't lost time with the chain I could have caught the guy in front.

I left before the finish of Sport and it looks like Björn lost a spurt to Fredrich Hammarström from my old club MTB Täby. But the order was reversed yesterday. Cool.

Great job CK Valhall!