Rotem Ishay checks in from New York

Ouch! That was painful…but nothing feels so good like racing a World Cup in the U.S!

Racing in the states has a sweet taste and atmosphere unlike anywhere else. I mean, where else can you get a real size BBQ meal on the finish line, good old Glory national anthem on the start line, and a show-band performing at the venue…I love it.

America always gives the great feeling that says “go big, or go home”.

I had no soft landing in U.S. coming from a long summer in Israel…I came straight into the annual fair at the town of Rhinebeck, in upstate NY… that’s was like having a triple shot espresso of America, no cream or sugar.

The fair was classic – pig racing, dog jumping contests, horse pulling, cotton candy, 3,000 calories milkshakes and “join the navy/marines/air-force” booths at every corner… I love it all, for sure, and it definitely settled me into the pace of things here quickly, just like I wanted. At the fair animal exhibition I even found a friend that might have arrived on the same flight as I did…

Getting together for the World Cup finals we had the international Jamis house – Americans, New Zealanders, Puerto Ricans, Mexicans, and one Israeli. Imagine a beautiful log house with 5 different ‘Merican accents, trying all to communicate in English…or sign language.

Race day was a bit hot, almost 90′s, just enough for the European guys to put on their ice-vests for the warmup. I don’t know about that, I felt pretty good in this weather after coming from the Middle East!

This race was the first race where I was able to debut my new Israeli national champion jersey. We’re still working on the FULL kit, but one step at a time. I will also point out how ultimately Euro and American my 2011 Jamis dXC is:

Euro- 26″ 1000g carbon hardtail frame , Edge (Enve)  Composites tubular wheels with Geax Saguaros, and 100mm travel Sid XX World Cup, and single bottle cage.

‘Merican – Tapered 1.125 to 1.5 headtube, QR15 Sid XX World Cup fork, riser bar, and Chris King in-set headset. I’m particularly proud of the tapered head tube/QR15 set up. This is like putting smoke stack engine pipes on your Audi rally car.

Race wise – I was hurting like hell for the first two laps until I have found my race pace again after not racing for a few weeks. It was a day of hard work at the office – progressing slowly and catching people one by one, finishing #55 with a big smile…

After I got my hands on a bottle of maple syrup it’s time to wrap my gear up and head to Mont Sainte Anne, Canada, where we’ll be visiting once again in the beautiful province of Quebec for the World Championships.