Augsburg

What a contrast it has been over 35 the last two days and the perspiration is well and truly running off us. Racing was a mixed bag yesterday in Veltrusy. First up was Eric who had quite a good run to finish 4th after his first run. Tom was next and was having a blinder until he got into some trouble at gate 17 and he was unable to rectify his error and gained a 50 sec penalty. The C2 guys were next and they 50`d gate 8 which was quite a common problem on the day as Ella did the same in her run. It was a tricky tight stagger downstream with no options to paddle back cos of a wall . The team stayed postive enjoying the atmosphere with some sun at last and a friendly bunch of Canadian juniors to chat to. Most of the others were German club paddlers who had actually organised the race. We kept commenting about how young the kids were paddling and I guess that is why they are so good.
Second runs saw some better performances and the C2 team who were ahead of our boys had a 50 also giving Brent and Shaun 1st place which was a good result. Ella had a shocking second run which added to the damaging first run and finished 6th. Erics 2nd run not so good with 4 touches but he held 4th place and Tom was in the same position as Ella with too much ground to make up.
The team of Ella, Eric and Tom then had two runs to finish 3rd from 9 boys teams so was a postive to end the day. After a quick dinner we drove to Augsburg arriving at the Youth Hostel about 11pm . A very balmy night so we went for a walk for an icecream and were amazed at the people out that late at night in the platz either eating or drinking, or sitting in groups chatting. The youth hostel is quite nice and after a quick brekkie we went to the course for the World Cup finals of C1 and K1 women. An exciting days racing especially the C1 final when Robin Bell finished 2nd. It was a really happy festive atmosphere and very very hot. We went down the road to Friedburg to a festival of traditional German food and culture but it was too hot to hang around very long so we headed back to the Eiskanal ( course) for a swim. I went in in my clothes... it was registering 42 on the temp gauge in the car.
Met the senior team for dinner which was great, all went to a Mexican restaurant and was great food.
Getting late at the internet cafe so need to say goodnight
cheers
sue