I am looking out the window at strings of mountains and meadows of wildflowers as I write this little update of, as my dad would put it, where in the world I am and what in the world I am doing right now! We’ve been here at Chalet JoJo (www.winterandsummer.com), our between race base for the last 2 weeks. It’s so relaxing.

The Maribor World Cup was a solid start to the season for me. I just got on my new M6 the first day of practice and it usually takes some time to get used to a new rig. I was loving the track and finished 11th so that was alright. I’ve got a few things still to sort out with my bike but I learned a few things and thats important. But I know that I will have to step it up for the next World Cup in Andorra if I want to reach my goals this year.

Last weekend, while some of the boys went off to race the Lisbon Downtown, a few of us made our way a few valleys over to a small town called Chalmazel to race a French Regional. The track was long and technical, loaded with roots and corners and opened up onto some high speed grass ripping at the bottom- the typical European track. It was fun, some good training and a chance to get more time on my new bike. Since I think I was the only girl racing that was over the age of 16 haha, I was able to post the fastest time. But was I ever impressed with some of the girls, young rippers, one girl in particular is Tahnee, my little buddy here at the Chalet. She’s 12 and has some serious talent and goals! Check her out. www.followmydream.com

Chris and I had to take a random trip to Paris last week to sort out some travel Visa stuff. So we decided to venture out on the town and check out the sights! Amazing food, wine and shoe shopping!

There is some pretty amazing riding to be had here. The Chalet is just outside of Morzine within the massive Porte Du Soleil ski domain. I’ve been doing shuttles with Chris, the Chain Reaction Cycles Intense team and Tahnee and going on XC missions with Chris. I guess you could say we’ve been exploring the French Alps!

Tomorrow we are off to Andorra for the World Cup. Looking forward to it. Till next time…..

Claire