sandrazürcher

Last Thursday I took part in the first two of four selection races for the European champs in Latvia. I am allowed to take part in the Swiss selection races, which am I grateful for, but am not officially trying out of the Swiss team for the European champs. I will be representing the US in Latvia like always.

I ran two good sprint races, despite torrential downpour rain and the on comings of a cold. I placed 11th twice, once on a technical “old town” sprint in the city of Brugg and then in the afternoon on a super fast park and forest sprint. I felt good and was very satisfied not to loose more than 90 seconds to the leader, Sara Lüscher in the morning and only 1’15” to Ines Brodmann in the afternoon.
Results:
sprint 1
sprint 2

Unfortunately, on Friday I became ill, and spend most of the day in bed. On Saturday morning I felt better again and decided to run in the 3rd selection race, the Swiss middle distance champs, despite not being 100% healthy. I had a good race and was satisfied with my performance, even though I lost 1 minute on a sub optimal route choice and 45 seconds on a mistake in the control circle. My time, 6 minute behind Angela Wild, who won by one second in front of Lea Müller was only good enough for 17 place, somewhat a disappointment. In the evening it became apparent that I was not healthy enough to be racing and decided not to run the long distance race on Sunday. It was a good idea, since I am still struggling to get healthy.

(Picture from Martin Jörg)
Results:
middle distance champs
long distance race

Swiss selections


Next week I am going to Uppsala to train and prepare for Tiomila. Should be fun!