clock and racing to beat myself and get the winning time. I won the time trial event by a full second giving me a clear lead & qualifying to the number 1 spot heading into the following race day. Race Day: I won all of my heats seeding me fastest for the semi final. I really wanted to clear up the mistakes that I made in Holland at the last World Cup and be
dominant and in control all day. Pushing myself in the semi final all the way to the line knowing that It was going to be a battle of the times with myself and Olympic Champion Mariana Pajon for the top time & 1st lane pick in the final. I gave it my all only 1 tenth of a second behind. Mariana had 1st lane pick for the final taking lane 1 the inside advantage an myself in lane 2. I had 3 passing maneuvers ready in my race plan to action if I was behind and needing to make a pass. Mariana got the hole shot on me down the first straight and I was calm and ready to attack at any point I knew I could. It came down the last corner and I saw that she had taken the race line and that it was my opportunity to go for that pass.
It was a very flat slippery brick turn and I knew that my 4cross mountain bike skills would help me pull it off. I went for it, all of nothing and made the pass with one straight to go fighting all the way to the line. Winning the World Cup in Berlin was very emotional trying to separate being a human being and athlete on the day. I was having personal issues leading into that event. I was emotional and relieved proving to myself that I can perform in a bad headspace, no sleep and prevail. Adversity you are my friend :)
Next stop defending my BMX World Championship title in Holland.
-Caroline Buchanan
After doing a BMX 'zine for ten years (1987 - 1996) FATBMX made it on the internet. The year was 1998. Here to stay.