To fly you only need two wheels

Proud of you

*Kariss*

"I trust your set-up, but I won't let them kick you out if it doesn't fit after all," he promised, giving my hand a quick squeeze.

I was sure he would try, but I was equally sure there was nothing he could do if it didn't work. They would kick me out and even though it was risky, I had just had to go for it. If I didn't trust my set-up 100%, how was anyone else going to?

Especially the rider.

If his mechanics didn't trust the set-up, how could he trust that he would stay on the bike no matter what, while he was out there putting his life on the line.

I trusted my set-up. It would work.

Still, my hands were shaking as Marc walked with purposeful steps to his bike. He turned around once more and pushed up the visor of his helmet.

"Let's see how good you are then," he said as he continued walking backwards.

"You can thank me later.", I returned and could see his eyes flashing because he was laughing.

"We'll see when I get back.".

He swung on the bike and took off. Goosebumps went down my spine as I turned my gaze to the screens showing the times.

Leo stood next to me while I kept watching the split times.

Two warm-up laps, then he gave full throttle.

My heart leapt. Every turn exactly as I had calculated. He was so good on the bike and the bike on the asphalt that I hardly dared to avert my gaze for even a second. It was like a work of art that he conjured up on the track. You could have painted the ideal line with his driving line.

As he shot across the finish line and the final lap time flashed up, Leo nudged me in the side, "A perfect lap," he whispered.

I took a deep breath. It seemed like I had been holding my breath before "Great set-up.".

I took another deep breath and then started to grin "Let's wait and see what Marc has to say.", I whispered and continued to watch his every move.

He flew around the track for a few more laps, then turned off towards the pits.

I felt everything tighten inside me. His times had been good, but if he still wasn't satisfied....

I stood rooted to the spot as he pulled in and got off his bike.

He pushed up the visor of his helmet and came toward me with heavy, quick steps.

He grabbed my face with his gloves. I didn't dare move even a millimeter. Leo was standing two steps away from me and I was sure he was ready to jump at a moment's notice to save me.

Marc shook his head, then shook mine.

Fuck. He was not pleased. A shake of his head.

I felt sick for a moment until I could hear him laughing.

"What took you so long to get to my team?" he asked, I didn't understand anything anymore "That felt fucking good. Do you think you can get her to go a little faster? I think she's capable of more. I could feel it."

"If we speed up we'll lose stability," I said, my heart beating up to my throat "But I'll see what I can do."

"That's what I wanted to hear. Good girl." he winked, then let go of me.

Was this really happening right now or was I just having a stroke?

"Go ahead, let your hands work miracles," he grinned.