Well I’m winding down the trip of a lifetime here in my Brussels hotel room. As great as it has been I’m very ready to be home tomorrow. Talking about this trip began a full year ago, and I honestly didn’t think it would really happen. I had doubts until about a month before we left. Luckily my wife, Vanessa took control and made it happen. She, with the help of a few others, organized a huge fundraising effort and the community really got behind us. For that I’m very grateful. I wish I could’ve delivered a better result, myself and many of you expected better, but I had no idea what I was in for. 
I’ll be honest, I’ve never gotten the ball rolling with motivation this year. I’ve tried and tried and the fire wasn’t there. The motivation to train, and race my best hasn’t been the same since I won Nationals in Connecticut. The preparation and focus for that took much more out of me than I wanted to admit. I’ve had a tough internal battle to keep going this year to not let other people down. Finally about 6 weeks ago I couldn’t kid myself anymore. I was over it. I told Coach Teruki and Vanessa I would push through Worlds but after I just didn’t want to do it anymore. Mark, being the amazing coach and person he is, totally understood. He did a great job of keeping things interesting to keep me going as he knew my head wasn’t in it. I felt good on race day. Got in last minute in OKC with Dr. French at Livewell Chiropractic and my legs and body were as good as I could ask for. With all that said, I could’ve been as motivated as ever and I still don’t think I could’ve won the race in Belgium. As with any kind of race on a level above the norm, you must experience it firsthand to understand what it takes. Paul and I learned a LOT this week. We have a new respect for the European racers and courses. We understand why they are as good as they are. There were several moments of enlightenment this past week. So 15th place, not great, not terrible, but the value of this trip and knowledge gained was absolutely worth it.
As far as my future, I think my Cx season is done. The thought of attempting to be fit enough to compete in Reno doesn’t sound at all appealing to me. It’s been a long time since I’ve thoroughly enjoyed riding my bike. I’m going to get back to that as well as focus on helping my kids prepare for Reno. It’s not that I don’t like it, I’ve just been pushing myself as a bike racer for 11 years now, and I’m satisfied. This was one last big one to go for, I came up short, but it’s done now. I have nothing to prove to myself or anyone else, but I have much to give from things I’ve experienced. I’m looking forward to helping the current and future generations achieve their goals now. I will still be racing when I feel like it, and riding plenty, but done riding and racing because “I have to” for a while.
Chris drummond 