Wilhelmshaven Part 1

I don't have much time since I should be sleeping... Sorry for the typo's and errors...
The Wilhelmshaven Skate Days started today. I skated the NorthCup half marathon with my team. we were all on am-wing wheels (didn't have time to test the bonts), eventhough storm clouds were gathering... it started pouring at the start, but the sun immediately came out and started to dry the course. marcel immediately had a material failure (the velcro holding his chip slipped between second wheel and carbon). Sebastian started pushing him from behind so he could get rid of the problem. ETAP saw what was happening and immediately attacked. I chased them and slowed them down till marcel and a group of STC skaters passed us. Shortly after that Marcel and I pulled a successful attack and broke off of the group. We gained a little distance from the group during the tail wind passages, but it wasn't going to last. Right behind us after a few sharp turns an ETAP skater had the same material problem as Marcel. The only difference was that he fell in the process of freeing his chip from the fangs of his wheel (he was our main competitor). After a few kilometers we reached the 4K straight along the dyke (strong head wind). We decided to stop the attack and let the main pack catch us. Percy Keppler immediately counter attacked, which was fine with us, since he was doing it without an ETAP skater in his draft. Marcel and I took a short rest in the back of the pack, while Tim set out to join Percy (without success). Shortly before the numerous 90° turns Marcel and I attacked again (we felt we had enough strength this time). It took us a time to catch up to Percy, but we didn't plan on getting caught. Meanwhile our team was keeping all chase attempts locked down, by drafting them through and preventing any real organizing of a chase. I ended up doing most of the pulling since I felt pretty damn fit. Percy and Marcel did their fair share, but I didn't have the feeling that Marcel was at his usual strength. Maybe I'm just having a pretty good weekend!? We pulled it through successfully. Marcel and I sprinted for first. The photofinish (I hope I can get the pic) was tight enough, but Marcel placed first 0,01s ahead of me.

team time trial was horrible...
to all Canadians: I saw Aaron. He was wearing brand new jeans (and he forgot to take the tags and plastic marking off them). Subaru X-Tech placed third or fourth behind Powerslide Phuzion (1st) and ORANA/Luiginio Race Team (2nd)...

good night and good fight