I have been in so many 'cross races with Bob Presta, and he always seems to be the rider in front of me or the rider just behind me. The last couple of years I have only been able to finish ahead of him once.  I love racing with him and against him because he is one of the most tenacious racers out there and is able to to turn himself inside out and go deeper in the red zone than most athletes.  I think it is one of the things that makes him such an intimidating racer.  No matter what I try or how good I feel I know that Bob will always be burying himself to stay ahead or to pass at the first sign or weakness.

Bob has a very distinctive riding style. I know because he usually in front of me.  He as a very  powerful pedalling style but it is his bulldog-like position on the bike. Back hunched over and elbow bowed out.  It looks like he is going to rip the bars right off his bike. But it is when he is behind you that you get a true view of his determination.  I kn ow the look well.  I give a quick glance back to see where Bob is. To see if I have opened a gap. Usually not. What I see is Bob looking directly in my eyes - giving nothing away.  Instead he looks like a predator waiting to pounce.

That is the look that I have seen too often.  Intimidating to say the least.  He is impossible to shake and keeps me running scared. As you can see the fear is obvious.

I am sure we will have plenty more races together and I am sure they will require concentration and determination from start to finish.  Painful - without a doubt. Fun? Obviously. I love racing against this guy.

Thanks to Tom Robertson for the photos.  To see more of his images click on the photos above.