Getting my Race Legs Back
I tried to keep my nerves down about this race but when you only race once every 3-weeks, It’s tough to convince yourself that it’s not important. The entire time that I was warming up I just kept reminding myself that it was just for fun but that I should do my best. I got there really early and spent some time getting in a good warm up. I spent a good 15-minutes working myself up-to and out of endurance. Then I started my openers. 5 30-45 second efforts; building with each one. Then I spent 10 more minutes just spinning easy.
It was ladies night which meant the field was large and we had mentored racing. There were a ton of women racing as juniors too. I was nervous but hoped to stay with the pack. We started and immediately I almost get taken out by a 10-14 year old who cuts across the course on the hill. I caught the group but didn’t expect to recover before the next attack. The attacks were plenty and strong but the course made it difficult for anybody to get away.
I felt pretty good and actually covered a strong attack from Tiffany. Annalisa had just covered another attack and I was in great position to grab Tiff’s wheel. As I went by, I heard Anna ask if I had this one. It was a strong attack but I was determined to get on it. I bridged and stuck on her wheel. I knew I should really be working with her to stay away because I knew most of the race consisted of my teammates who wouldn’t chase me down. Still, I thought it was the weenie thing to do.
Just as we got to the top of the hill, Tiffany either gave up on her attack or took a bad line and I saw my chance to redeem myself. I kicked at the top of the hill and did my best to stay away. Again, it’s very difficult because of the downhill. I was caught and found myself back in the pack with two to go.
The last lap came quickly and I was not in a good spot. I needed to move up fast without wasting much energy.  At the start of the race, I hadn’t even considered that I might be contesting the sprint so I was not prepared at all. I knew I needed to be on somebody’s wheel who was strong and who would go early but not too early. I picked one of the juniors. Things were going ok except that it felt like we weren’t sprinting early enough. I just kept seeing the meter markers go by. Then next thing I knew it was 100m and the front folks were going. Kim and Nadia were in the middle of the road and it felt like they had no intention of sprinting. I needed a lane fast! I saw an opening on the outside and took it at full power only to find a lapped rider in my way. It was almost ugly but I managed to break and get around her. I lost at least one position because of it. I took 5th place but there were at least 2-junior women in front of me so I really took about 7th.
I was super happy with the way I covered moved and rode somewhat aggressively. Given everything I’ve been though, I feel much stronger than I expected. There was drama and controversy after the race; but what else is new.