Chapter 3:

The night of the first competition Tyler had trouble sleeping. Numerous scenarios played out in his head: getting last, crashing out, gear malfunctioning, even oversleeping like he was back in school. He felt dumb for having these thoughts. He had competed so many times now it should feel like second nature but this was something else. It would set the tempo for the rest of the season.

The entire day was dedicated to the competition. Tyler arrived early to the male TSX riders locker room to find it a circus of people. All the riders were there along with their support staff and dozens of league officials. Tyler had to push past people to try to get to his stall. He saw Owen who gave him a thumbs up when he passed. Tyler was glad to see him, Owen the previous year had gone on such a bender to celebrate the start of the season he missed the first competition entirely. Tyler finally reached his stall where all his gear was laid out just like when he went to practice. Tyler tried to focus out all the commotion around him and tried to focus on the task at hand. He checked over his gear to make sure everything was in order and then started to get suited up.

A figure emerged from the sea of people in front of him. It was Noah. He handed Tyler a couple sheets of paper. "Here is your competition number, make sure you stick it to the front of your coat and is visible at all times during the competition."

Tyler grabbed the pieces of paper. "Hey why does it say number 12? I was number 8 last year."

"That was Scott's number, you took it over after you replaced him. With him being back this year, he got to claim it, so you dropped to the bottom of the totem and got stuck with 12."

"Even below the rookie Junior?"

"Yeah it is kinda bullshit but it is what it is. I wasn't the one who assigned them." Noah said. "Good luck on the slopes."

There was a large banging sound at the far side of the locker room. Tyler looked up to see what appeared to be the head of Chris McLean sticking up over the crowd, probably standing on something, banging two clipboards together. "Everyone listen up! I want everyone out of here except for the riders! Now!"

The large crowd of people began emptying out of the locker room until all that were left were all the riders sitting at their stalls. The stalls formed a half circle around the room so Tyler had a good view of everyone. He could see Alejandro sitting across the room from him. Alejandro sat hunched over at his stall his hands clasped at his chin. The angst was gone, all Tyler saw on Alejandro's face was determination.

"Alright." Chris said demanding the attention of the riders. "I just wanted to welcome to another season of Total Snowboard Cross! Or as the media likes to call it, Total Drama Cross. I want you all to go out there and show to everyone why we are the top snowboarding league in the world! And when you are getting your multi-million dollar sponsorships, landing lucrative tv deals, hanging out with supermodels, I want everyone to remember who is responsible for all that fame and fortune: me."

Chris was the mastermind behind TSX and he wanted everyone to know it. His hair was immaculately styled, his stubble was neatly trimmed and he wore a flashy grey designer suit that probably cost more than all of Tyler's possessions put together. Chris had been a modestly successful snowboarder who was able to transition into becoming a reality television host. He had taken all he had learned from reality television and used it when creating TSX. As the sole owner and commissioner of TSX, its unprecedented success had transformed Chris from lowly reality tv host into one of the wealthiest playboys in the world.

"There is no reason to believe this league can't grow even bigger and I am looking at each and every one of you to work hard and play hard this year."

"Speaking of play." Geoff spoke up. "We're going to have an absolute banger of a party tonight at The Waka. It's going to be tight dudes, you all got to be there." The Waka was one of the hottest clubs in town according to local guide provided in Tyler's welcome package.

"See." Chris said pointing at Geoff. "This is some initiative I can get behind! Good luck this season everyone. And may the best man win."

All the riders gave out a cheer and then went back to preparing for the competition ahead. Tyler worked quickly, he wanted to get everything set up and get out of there before the giant sea of people reemerged. Once he had gotten all suited up he put on his lucky red headband and headed for the door. An arm was stuck out in his path.

"Hey." Scott said, making his way in front of Tyler. "I don't know what Chris is pulling letting some lowly replacement back into the league this season but I want to make one thing clear: I'm back. And the last thing I'm going to do is let you take my spot for good."

Tyler did not know how to respond. This was his first time actually interacting with Scott. It was because of Scott's injury that Tyler was able to join the league mid-way through the last season.

"I'm not here to replace you anymore." Tyler said. He was being as honest. He had no intention of being Scotts replacement anymore. He wanted to form his own path.

"Good. Now stay out of my way, or I will destroy you." Scott did not give Tyler a chance to respond. He turned in place and walked away.

Tyler tried to put that interaction out of his mind and focus on the competition ahead. He left the locker room and began carrying his board up towards the start of the race. He could already see large groups of fans lining the course. Looking down he could see a couple thousand spectators were down at the finish line. It was the largest crowd he had ever seen at an event, even the races from last season. It was intimidating to think he would be racing in front of them. At the start area he found an area to himself to compose and make sure his board was in check. It was right next to a large set of speakers which turned on.

"Ladies and Gentlemen! Welcome to the first race of the TSX season! I'm DJ Rock with my trusted sidekick Spud coming to you live from atop Mount Garibaldi! We're going to be providing you with live commentary all day."

"That's today?"

"Yes Spud. Why do you think we're sitting out here at a desk on top of the mountain in the freezing cold looking over the race track?"

"I dunno, admire the view?"

"Admire we will. For those of you unfamiliar with the competition format allow me to explain. The Men's and Women's competitions both have twelve riders competing. The Men's and Women's competitions will be happening concurrently throughout the day, switching between the two after every race. Each rider will be competing in three preliminary heats against a different group of competitors. After the preliminary heats are done everyone's accumulative times are tallied up and ranked. The four riders with the top four times will compete in the A Final to see who is crowned champion of this event and receive a medal and a cash prize. The riders with the next four highest times will compete in the B Final, and the riders with the bottom times will compete in the C Final. The B and C Finals are to determine the final rankings of the event. The rankings from each event are used to determine the season standings and at the end of the season the riders with the top six times get to compete for the season championship. Did you get all that Spud?"

"Not a word dude."

"Not surprising. Who are you most excited to watch race today Spud?"

"My girl, the rookie Carrie!"

"Spud with the deep cut! The races will be starting shortly. Here are some tunes to the meantime!"

For Tyler's first heat he found himself lining up at the start against Brick, Lightning, and Jacques. It was not an easy group having to up against the champion of last season.

Tyler was the first one to line up at the start. He was nervous but happy to finally just race. Brick took his position beside him.

"Hey Tyler." Brick said. "Glad to see you back this season."

"You too." Tyler said back. Brick was one of the friendlier, humbler competitors. He was a good rider, but was not one of the top riders. He had struggled like Tyler to get much spotlight. They had gotten along well but had not interacted very much the previous year. Brick was good friends with Lightning and spent a lot of time last season together.

"Hope y'all got a backup plan." Lightning said as the other two got in position. "Cause Sha-Lightning's about to cause a few early retirements."

"Do you ever shut up?" Jacques asked.

"Is Sha-Lightning distracting you?" Lightning said talking about himself in the third person, he had a bad habit of doing that. "I recommend plugging your ears with a championship ring. Oh wait you don't have one. But Lightning does!"

Jacques looked past Tyler at Brick. "How do you put up with this?"

"You learn to drown it out." Brick said.

Lightning had always been a big show boater with one of the biggest egos in the league, but him winning last season had made him boisterous. He seemed to think that having been the champion gave him carte blanche to say or do whatever he wanted. It was hard to see how Lightning and Brick, two complete opposites could be such close friends but as far as Tyler knew they grew up together, they came from the same mountain along with one of the female riders Jo.

Tyler did not bother saying anything. It was not going to do him any good. Plus, his performances from last year were pretty pathetic, he did not have much ground to stand on when it came to results. But this year would be different. He was about to get his first chance to redeem himself.

The first heat did not go the way he wanted though. Lightning shot out ahead of everyone and did not look back. Tyler wrestled for second position against Brick and Jacques as they raced down the track. After each turn one of them would cut head only to be overtaken at the next. Tyler was in a good position until they hit the jumps, Tyler was too occupied with trying to get ahead he botched to takeoff on the first major jump sending him to the back of the pack with no momentum to catch up. When he crossed the finish in last place, he swore to himself. He was frustrated but tried to calm himself, there was still more chances to prove himself.

The second preliminary heat went better. It was an easier field he was competing against and with Owen crashing early he was better able to stick to the route he had planned during his practice runs. He managed to place second in the heat but his actual time was average at best.

It came down to the final heat, he needed a strong performance if Tyler had any hope of not being stuck in the bottom C Final, which was dubbed by the riders as the Losers Final. It was going to be a tough ask, his final heat had Alejandro, Duncan and Brodi in it. He could feel his nerves acting up as they began lining up at the start. He looked over at Alejandro who looked to be completely calm, which was probably due to him having the best time so far.

"Good luck my friend." Alejandro said.

"Thanks." Tyler said. He was going to need all the luck he could get.

Tyler had a good start to the race. There was no way he was going to be able to beat Alejandro so he figured his best bet was to try and stick as closely behind him as he could, let Alejandro set the line and try to follow as close as he could. Tyler wondered if Lindsay was watching, whether she would even notice the guy she had been giving medium coffees to was racing right behind the man she chose to cheer for. But keeping up with Alejandro was a tougher task than Tyler had anticipated. Alejandro seemed to glide over the snow with such grace it was as if he was floating on air. Tyler in the meantime felt like his board was pushing through the snow carving deep into the track. Soon distance began to grow between them. He put his head down and tried to push as hard as he could, Duncan was right behind him ready to pounce on the first mistake. That mistake came once again at the jumps. Tyler was able to launch himself off this time but failed to stick the landing. He crashed face first into the snow.

"Later loser!" Duncan called out as he whizzed by with Brodi closely behind him.

Tyler slammed his fist into the ground. He had been thinking too far ahead again! He lacked focus on the little things and it cost him just like it always did. He was always making the same stupid mistakes. He felt like such an idiot for thinking he could keep up with Alejandro. Like they were at all at the same level, the same league. Tyler picked himself up and rode down the rest of the track at a casual pace in defeat. Looked like he was headed for another Losers Final. Exactly where he belonged.

The standings were set soon afterwards. The crash on the last race put him in second last. He had only beaten Owen. Tyler could not believe he did so poorly. This was supposed to be his chance to prove his spot in the league. He was supposed to show he wasn't a replacement. Instead, he might as well have not shown up.

Since he placed in the bottom four, he had one more race: the C final. He was so tired, and beaten up from his crash, that it was the last thing he wanted to participate in. Luckily, he would not have to wait long. The C finals in the men's and women's competition occurred first, followed by the B, then the A, so that the final race crowned the day's victor.

Tyler took a seat outside the rider's lodge as the women's C final took place, looking forward with being done for the day. He slouched and took off his red headband, which had not been so lucky today.

"Decided to finally give up your McEnroe costume?" Jo joked, taking a seat next to his. She was kicked up her feet, placing them on the table. "Shouldn't you be warming up for the loser's final? Leave the rest for those of us who earned it?

"Back off Jo. I'm not in the mood," Tyler said, trying to imagine he was somewhere else, free from the pressure of the mountain.

"Not in the mood for what? Snowboarding? Cause your performance showed that loud and clear."

Tyler knew she was trying rile him up, but he was too exhausted to hide his feelings. "Trust me, I know. I feel like such a fool. The whole time, I couldn't stop thinking about what I looked like on the cameras. I couldn't focus."

"So you're trying to solve the problem by feeling sorry for yourself?" Jo questioned. Tyler didn't answer. "You know, my coach used to say that there's no point in having a problem, if you don't try to solve it."

"What could I do?" Tyler let out exasperated.

"Lots. You could be warming up, mediating, watching others compete. There's always a step further to helping yourself. It might not fix things immediately, but it's something."

Tyler sat up. He didn't want to admit it, but she was right. He was acting childish. "Thanks," he said, grabbing his headband from the table. He still needed the bit of luck it could give him.

Jo shrugged. "Don't sweat it. I just wanted the table for myself."

Tyler tried to clear his head as he got set up for the C final. He didn't want to worry about how he looked or whether he proved himself. He wanted to just have a clean run and be done for the day. There was nothing else worth concerning himself with. He had to just live with the day as it had unfolded.

The other three racers in the C final were Owen, the rookie Junior, and Brody. Tyler knew he could beat Owen, so long as he didn't let Owen get ahead of him. Brody was a strong rider on his day, but he suffered from pendulating inconsistency. His placement in the C final implied that he was not at his peak. Junior was an unknown. Tyler imagined he had to be good to compete at this level at such a young age. Still, Tyler knew inside that he did not want to be beaten by a kid.

Nevertheless, Tyler approached the starting gate with lighter shoulders than he had all day. He was ready for this all to end. Rather than imagine how the run would turn out, he was ready to let it come as it may.

At the start, Owen surprised everyone by getting out of the gate first. This left Tyler jockeying for position behind Brody and Junior. Tyler's size gave him an advantage with Junior and he was able to fit himself ahead, but Brody had already shot forward, trying to find a way around Owen. This was Owen's ideal spot, where he could position himself such that the other riders struggled to pass him. Owen was able to keep his grasp on it as they were coming up to the final jumps. Tyler considered pushing forward, but worried he might fall again and get last overall. Brody was the first to make a move. He went off a jump, hoping to cut off Owen on the inside. Owen, aware of the attempted overtake, spread out his arms to hold Brody back. This caused both of them to slow down momentarily. A wave of realization hit Tyler: this was his chance. He moved to the outside on the next jump, hoping to take the outside, and landed it perfectly. He carved forward, passing the battling Brody and Owen. As he moved into first, the finish line came into sight. Then, when it was only him and open track, he let everything strip away. He didn't worry about being a replacement. He didn't care about whether he looked like a joke. He didn't imagine whether Lindsay was watching him. All he did was focus on the path before him and the finish at the end.

When he finished first, it was ecstasy. He could not believe that it worked. He had won! Sure, it was the Losers final, just to decide who would finish the day in 9th place. But, when he had imagined nothing, he was given something.

There were no medals or trophies for winning the C or B final, only for the winner of it all in the A final. Just as quickly as he had won, he was ferried out of the finishing area, to make room for the women's B final, which was about to begin.

Tyler got changed in the locker room and headed back to the hotel. He had intended to watch the last couple races on TV, but as he sat down on his couch, the adrenaline from the win washed out from him. He melted into the cushions, feeling like he had just run a marathon. It only took a moment for him to slip into sleep.

A knock on the door woke Tyler up. He had no idea how long he'd been out. His head was groggy and his muscles felt even more sore than before. Without even thinking to look through the peep hole, he opened the door to his room.

Standing there, wearing a 1st place medal, and carrying a bottle of tequila, was Alejandro.

…

Afterword:

Thanks for reading. We hope you liked it!

Please leave a review.

Till Next Time –Nyhlus and BJ