World cup Thailand
04/04/2011 12:47
Unfortunately this winter was quite cold in the Netherlands, so I didn't had much time on the water to practice. Instead I played a lot of volleyball and went to the gym ones a week (theoretically ;-). The racing materials weren't ready either. So the week before the competition Rolf and I were building fins in our living room till late in the evening. Not the best preparation for a world cup, but it turned out really well...
Airush
When I arrived in Bangkok, I went to the workshop of Airush/Starboard. Really cool to meet all those people and to see where the boards are developed. Our new boards were just finished and ready to be adjusted to my personal needs. 1 day and the board was better then I could have hoped! Thanks guys, for all the work and effort you put into it!
Photo: Rolf, Dave Tyburski, Katja with the new Airush board
Competition
The world cup was really exiting. I had know idea what to expect, because all riders had new equipment and had probably more training during winter time then I had. The first 2 races I did really well during the first part of the race (in second position), but I screwed up 2 times in the second part. My legs burned so much, I didn't had enough energy to finish well. Of course I thought that it had to do with my physical condition. But after changing my fins the problem was solved!
So the next day I did much better and ended second in some races and I even won 1 race! (Because Steph Bridge, world champ, was swimming somewhere instead of kiting ;-) Anyway, the results were getting better. After one day of rest we had 2 more days of racing. One day with 6 races! Pfoeh, that really is a lot. Rolf had some bad luck this day, because he broke a fin which cost him one good result.
Overall we had a very good event. Meeting owner of Starboard/Airush Svein Rasmussen, testing new boards and ending up second in race (me), 4th in race (Rolf) and winning the big air board off competition (Rolf)!
Photo: 2. Katja Roose (NED) 1. Steph Bridge (GBR) 3. Carolien Adrien (FRA)
Thai Massage / Food
Be carefull with what Thai say, it’s not always totally the truth... (or at least we have a different interpretation of the truth ;-) When you ask if the food is spicy and they say ‘no’, be alarmed! ‘Not spicy’ or ‘little spicy’ for Thai people is super hot for us. I had a hard time during diner...
Same with the massages. What should be nice and really relaxing, was more like torture. So pain full! No wonder when they use their whole weight when they do your back with their ell bows. But the second time it’s really nice and you feel so good afterwards. Maybe I get used some time to the food as well.
Photo: Rolf 'Spicy or not spicy?'
Thailand
Unfortunately we were so busy with the competition we had too little time to see a bit of Thailand. But overall I felt really comfortable and welcome there. For sure I go back one day to enjoy more the beautiful nature and people!
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