Another weekend of travelling gone. We've been back to London, where my speedskating "career" began back in 2004. Since then we've always returned to skate the London Inline Marathon, a small but cosy event organized by the Speed Team.
After two very hard marathons in the last years (on a different - HILLY - track) which always left me well tired for the rest of the holidays, this year I entered the half marathon. Probably a "B" race as this one was not part of the British Inline Cup and with a lot less entries, but also less stressful and less populated by LSST blue. Still, a few good people were in this one, including one of our very fast Le Mans youngsters, Matt.
After a slightly confusing start we set into a little pack of both marathon and half marathon skaters. Not really knowing who was on what race, I decided to hang on to Matt, who was definitely among the favourites. So when he tried to break away after a few laps I hurried to follow. What I had not known was that one more half marathon skater was ahead of us, but we caught up with him after some laps. Once again merged with several marathon skaters, the situation in the final laps was still a bit unclear. In the last corner, two guys from the UK Powerslide Team made their move - Matt hurried after them - and I was reminded of my weak sprint capabilities... Anyway, one of the PS guys was on the marathon race, so I still finished a few meters after the winner - 3rd place and my first ever individual podium!!!
Even more bling for Michi, who also raced the half marathon and came first of all girls. So a medal for me and a nice trophy for her, much bling for one weekend!
>>> Photos will be up shortly <<<
