Chapter 120
As we appreached the first major tion, I leaned into it just like Derek had taght me, feeling Claire respond perfectly to my movements
We were Dving ingrther, hike and rider as one, the world blurring around us.
The track stretched ahead, each curve and straightaway a new challenge to master I could feel the other riders around me, their engines creating a
thunderous charus that vibrated through my bones. The competition was fierce day, I could sense it in the way they rode, aggressive and hungry for
Victory
At we hit the first straightaway, I noticed two riders closing in on me from behin Their bikes were sleek and powerful, clearly built for speed rather than
the balanced approach Derek had recommended for beginners.
I twisted my wrist, adding another gear and feeling Claire surge forward with renewed power.
The left turn was coming up fast, one of the most dangerous on the track because of the sharp angle and the concrete barrier misjudged their speed.
I could see the rider to my right positioning himself to cut me off, trying to force me into a position where I’d have to brake hard or risk crashing.
ne who
This was exactly what Derek had warned me about experienced riders who would use intimidation tactics to throw off newcomers. But instead of fear, I felt something else entirely. A cold, calculating focus that reminded me of watching Tristan race.
I did what I’d always seen him do in situations like this. Instead of backing down, I accelerated into the turn, leaning so far over that my knee almost
touched the asphalt.
The rider who’d been trying to box me out fell behind as I took the inside line, threading the needle between him and the barrier with inches to spare.
The crowd’s roar reached us even over the engine noise, and I could feel their excitement feeding my own adrenaline. This was what I’d been born to do.
By the time we reached the back section of the track, the field had spread out considerably. The weaker riders had fallen behind, unable to maintain the brutal pace, while the strongest had pushed to the front. I found myself in a group of four, trading positions through each series of curves as we fought for
dominance.
The track here was treacherous – a series of S–curves followed by a sharp right that am sure would have claimed more than one rider over the years. I could see the oil stains on the asphalt where previous accidents had left their mark.
As we entered the S–curves, the rider directly in front of me made his move. He was good, I had to admit, taking each turn with surgical precision. But he was also predictable, following the same racing line that most experienced riders used.
I chose a different approach, one that Derek had shown me but warned me never to attempt in an actual race. Instead of following the traditional path through the curves, I took a wider line that would allow me to carry more speed at the expense of distance.
It was risky – if I misjudged it, I’d either run wide into the barrier or lose so much ground I’d never catch up. But something inside me knew it would work. I could feel Claire’s capabilities, could sense exactly how much she could handle.
The gamble paid off. As we exited the S–curves, I was suddenly alongside the lead rider, my unorthodox line having given me just ough extra speed to make up the difference.
He looked over at me, and I could see the surprise in his body
at this level.
language even through his helmet and leathers. He hadn’t expected the newcomer to be riding
But we weren’t done yet. The final section of the track was coming up a long straightaway followed by two quick turns before the finish line. This was
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Chapter 120
shree te speed mattend mast, where the minst powerful hikes had their advarer
home but the straightaway, three of us were still in contention. The rider I’d been battling, myself, and a third rider whod been forking met tekind, walking
be tot moment to strike.
That moment came as we approached the first of the final turns. The third rider Bade an aggressive move to the inside, trying to pass both of us at cree. It was a dangerous play, one that required split–second timing and absolute commitment.
