Amanda Sin Checks In from Belgium

After jumping through multiple travel hoops, Amanda Sin (3 Rox Racing Years) made it to the U.K. in time to prepare for and race at the season-opening mountain bike World Cup at the Dalby Forest in Yorkshire. After racing to a 31st place finish, Sin was quickly back into travel mode, getting to Belgium and settling into the team base for this weekend’s second World Cup in Houffalize.

Sin, 33, managed to find some Internet access in front of a grocery store and sent some us these thoughts on her season so far and what is to come.

You had to jump through some travel hoops to get to Dalby – tell us a bit about this experience?
Derek Zandstra, Andrew Watson and myself were traveling together. Our flight was canceled twice to Manchester and after that we were on a waiting list to any city in Europe. We had pretty much given up hope on getting to Dalby and were trying to make the next world cup in Houffalize. We finally found a flight to Frankfurt for last Wednesday, so we were excited again that we could race Dalby. We were planning to go and try to make our way to Dalby from there. I was on my way to the airport and got a call that there was a flight available that evening for Manchester. So we ended up on that one and everything else in the travel was pretty smooth. It was just a few days of uncertainty with plans changing every minute.
How did you like the Dalby course?
The course was awesome! It was built really with with a lot of technical features including a BMX-like section, lots of berms and jumps. There was also some climbing with rooty descents. Overall a really great race course.
How are you feeling about your race at Dalby?
My race went well and I was really happy with my riding on the technical aspects of the course. There were some crashes in the start loop and I lost quite a few positions but I was able to work my way back up throughout the race.
What would you change about your ride?
Off the start, everyone is fighting for position. In my next race I will be more aggressive.
How is your season going so far – where have you raced and how did it go?
My season is going well, but just starting. I’ve raced in Guatemala at the Pan Am Championships where I finished 7th and at the US Cup in Fontana where I was 10th.
Do you approach the World Cup races differently from the other races you do?
I’m usually more prepared before a World Cup. I do more laps on the course and try to get more rest before the race.
What are your impressions of the Houffalize course?
There is a lot of climbing and steep descents. Part of the course goes through the town, which is really cool.
What are your expectations for this second World Cup?
To have a better start and improve upon my finish at Dalby.
What is next for you after this World Cup?
I’m going home for a couple of weeks and then to Germany for the next World Cup in Offenburg.
How did you get involved with mountain bike racing?
When I was in university several of my friends raced and it looked fun so I tried it.
Favorite aspect of the sport?
I love the technical part of mountain biking and the challenge of riding something that really scares me.
Least favorite aspect of the sport?
Cleaning up after muddy rides.