World Cup 2 - Duisburg, Germany

Just finished up World Cup 2 in Duisburg. Races this weekend were.... challenging. This world cup proved to be twice as big as the 1st World Cup. We saw many more of the international big names here. Times were generally a bit slow because of the cold water and usual headwind. Competition was fierce making it hard to advance in these races. I again raced the 1000m, 500m, 200m k1s. The experience I got from the races was priceless, but I'm most thankful for the spark these World Cups weeks have given me. I cant wait to get down to some serious training for the next few months as I get ready for World Champs in Milan, Italy (August).

World Cup 1 - Portugal

Just finished up World Cup 1 in Montemor-O-Velho, a nearly coastal town in Portugal covered in Castles and known for is 2km water-sport course. Race's this weekend were ok. It was the first international regatta of the season. So it's great to feel the pressure of international racing again, but man, there's a lot to learn and a huge ways to go. I'm stoked I found my way to the B-final in the 500m race. I need a little work in some of my other races. World cups results don't matter too too much. They're mostly just a chance for athletes to get some race experience early in the season. Some countries do use these as race off opportunities to select their national team athletes. For me it was about experience which meant I was entered into a good number of races- 1000m K1, 500m K1, 200m K1.

This is the first time I've raced sprint so close to the ocean- you can feel some of the coastal characteristics impacting the flatwater course. Like the wind. The wind would be calm in the morning. As the sun rises, a light onshore breeze would develop meaning a tailwind at the course. Throughout the day the wind would build and shift to an off shore breeze and side wind on the course. Watching the flags all day, you can see the wind growing and shifting the same way it would the day of a beach surfski race or something. It mirrors east coast USA conditions perfectly. All of this meant that the timing of your race and your lane assignment on this narrow man made channel could leave you with very different results. These were all factors we mentally thought out before each race. Just another cool part of being an outdoor water sport. This aint no gym treadmill workout.

It was really cool to see all of the international racers: some old friends, some new ones. There were like 25 countries at this regatta. This number is rumored to be doubled next week at World Cup 2 in Duisburg, Germany. It's all just part of the journey; adventuring throughout Europe!

Portugal

My training group and I just got to PORTUGAL this past weekend. We've been training the past few days at the Montebelo Aguieiro Nelo Training Center. This place is amazing! The water is beautiful, flat, and big. The climate is perfect: warm and sunny. The facilities are a bit tooo nice. There are a few other teams training here as well: China, Argentina, New Zealand, South Africa, etc. We have World Cup 1 this upcoming weekend at a venue about a half hour from here. I'm stoked to be racing the K1 1000m, 500m, and 200m. Should be quite a fun weekend! We have a great team USA here. I think we're creating the stereotype that all Americans are endlessly giggling and playing games. I guess there are worse things.