You know how it is, a hard week monster ride training at altitude, and time for some serious R+R. So of course you head down to the local National series for a bit of a leg stretch and whoops you've won! It happens to us all the time, but Britain's most succesful mountain biker, Specialized pro Caroline Alexander seems suprised! "Although planning afew weeks away from racing , I had my arm twisted and very , very early on Sunday morning headed down from the " silver plateau " to Hittnau , the venue for the second round of the Swiss National Series .

During my reconasiance lap , I found that the hilly course was very much to my liking and the hot , sunny weather too .

After a week at altitude and some monster rides , I wasn't sure how I would feel . As I am in a recovery phase of my training at the moment , I was keen to minimise the impact of racing on my body . My plan was therefore was to ride hard for a lap and if anyone could stay with me sit on them for the remainder of the race .

However I had to revise my strategy as on the first climb I felt even better than last week in Houffalize and left my rivals along way behind . As the espoir's had started only a minute in front , it was not long before I was passing the backmarkers . Once I caught those that were going at a reasonable speed I followed the wheels and concentrated on my technique . The course was not particularly technical , but there were some fast , rocky descents that were really fun .

I throttled right back on the fourth and final lap , but still finished over two minutes ahead of my nearest rival Petra Heinzi . This was a distinct improvement on my first outing in the series when I only just managed to outsprint her !

Much to my suprise I took the lead in the overall standings too . I will not however be defending my lead . Instead I will be heading for the U.S. and my next race the Hewliitt Packard .