12 weeks...

With the top 5 overall finish at Mellow J my ticket to 2012 Nats has been punched and it is time to get to work. Kicking up the training and focusing on the prize this year for sure, top5 result at MTB Nats. Last year I missed the podium by just under 5 minutes and had a horrible year leading up to that race. 2012 so far has been the complete opposite of 2011, racing strong this year and so far 100% on the podium visits (3 for 3), last year was dnf after dnf after mediocre performances.

Got the official email today (below). The best part I see in here is that the course will be longer and have plenty of passing oportunities! I was in non-passable traffic way to much of the race last year and it cost me given my terrible start to the race (DFL into the hole-shot after getting shoved off the side of the double track trail and having to start again).

Dear Racer,
Congratulations! You have qualified for the 2012 USA Cycling Mountain Bike Cross-country National Championships scheduled for July 5-8 in Sun Valley, Idaho.
Online Registration Opens: Friday, May 4, 2012 at 11 a.m. EDT
Online Registration Closes: Sunday, July 1, 2012 at 11:59 p.m. EDT
On-site (late) entry fees start: Monday, July 2, 2012 at 12 a.m. EDT

2012 Race Entry FeesJunior (18 & under) — $50 (online per event); $85 (on-site per event)
U23 (19-22) — $60 (online per event); $95 (on-site per event)
Senior (19-29) — $60 (online per event); $95 (on-site per event)
Master (30+) — $60 (online per event); $95 (on-site per event)
Pro/Elite — $70 (online per event); $105 (on-site per event)

Qualified Rider List

Event Information

New cross-country course this year!The cross-country courses have been changed for 2012. The lower River Run portion will be similar (yep, those rock gardens will still be there!), however, the amateur loop will be much longer heading out around Bald Mountain with plenty of passing opportunities and sweet riding!

The course maps and additional details will be posted on the USA Cycling event webpage once they are available.
Head to Sun Valley early and get in some Super Duper D and the Pro UET – Galena Grinder
Looking to get a little extra time in Sun Valley before Nationals? The Ride Sun Valley Festival will be hosting the first-ever Baldy Super Duper D on Sunday, July 1. If marathon and cross-country are more to your liking, the Pro UET – Galena Grinder will be happening on Saturday, June 30.
Good luck with your season! Hope to see you in Sun Valley.