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01 May 2019

Rally Hispania

European Rally Championship Round 1

Stephanie Rowe

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Day 1, 330km

I started second to last on the starting list so it was a long day with a late finish, riding back to the bivouac in the dark.

I tried to take it easy and get my bearings with the bike and the road-book. After feeling a bit demotivated to start with, having wished I had the time to train on the bike before the race, I was surprised that I felt better than expected.

I finished 84th overall, which I'm happy with as there are a lot of fast riders here.

Now to try and up the game...

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Day 2, 531km

I felt good on the bike today but made a couple of navigation errors. The riding is really mixed with some very fast sections, technical single tracks and lots of rocks.

Despite my mistakes I finished 51st overall

Let's see what tomorrow brings.

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Day 3, 450km

72th position general.

Today was really tough. My bike fitness definitely needs improvement. There was lots of very rocky technical riding, which was really tiring. I lost confidence in myself on the second special as we crossed tracks from previous days and I was worried about making mistakes. With the lack of energy and self-doubt, I just wasn't flowing as well as I would have liked. But I'm happy my bike is going well and another day finished is always a good day in Rally racing.

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Day 4, 222km

Final results overall:
5th place M1 Category
4th place women's category
59th place general

DISASTROUS DAY

I made two big mistakes on the navigation of the first special test. Without these errors, I would have been second place overall in the women's category. I'm absolutely gutted that I messed up so close to the end.

However, I need to remind myself that the other racers are much more experienced rally riders, including competing in Dakar, so I'm pleased that I had a shot at the podium.

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It's also another rally finish, my bike performed perfectly and my knee felt better than expected.

Now the fire is stronger than ever, time to train on the bike, prepare for Hellas Rally Raid and try to kick ass.

A huge congratulations to @rosaromerofont who won the women's category by miles. Such an awesome rider.

Thanks, Hispania Rally for a great event.

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