On Saturday we had a "warm up" crit. The course was rather hard. It had a small hill with a headwind, and 6 corners.
The women pro,1,2,3 were racing with the women cat 4s all weekend. When we rolled up to the line I saw some of Florida's power houses were there. It was going to be a tough race.
We took a neutral lap around the course and then rolled back to the start. The whistle blew and I tucked into the field looking around for a good wheel. I found my way to Jackie Kurth's wheel and was content to stay there. After a couple minutes I found myself pulling and spending way to much time on the front and chasing gaps. I hung out in the wind way to much and after about 15 minutes of red lining my heart rate I blew and went out the back.
I managed to chase back on but after the next attack blew again and found myself off the back again. I went into and out of several different groups and when 3 laps to go came around found myself with another cat 3 and the solo leader of the race who lapped us.
I sprinted and won against the other girl but it was a sprint for nearly last and it wasn't very satisfying.
Will Tearing it up in the 3's race.
Michelle and I chilling after our race
The next day was the real deal. I was really nervous but totally excited. The sun was blazing and the wind was definitely blowing. The finish was at the top of a small hill and on the back stretch there was a small descent. With four corners it wasn't a ridiculously technical course but I was a little wary of the final corner because I've crashed in it before when I carried to much speed and hit a reflector.
I was totally pumped at the start. When the official blew the whistle I went into my race zone. It was time for the poker face and racing edge to be put to work.
The race went smooth for the first 15 minutes. A few attacks here and there but it always came back together. My legs felt pretty good but the attacks were fast and furious. The announcers were giving out primes and the big names continued to try and break away. Half-way up the hill one of the ladies husbands had found a water tap and turned it up and every other lap he would spray the entire field. It felt amazing and when ever the water was on we all swerved over to try and cool off a little.
About 30 minutes into the race I popped. I sprinted and managed to get back onto the field. I was tired but once I was back into the group my legs felt better again. I sat in and tried to conserve as much energy as I could. When 5 laps to go came I was pretty tired and really hot. The laps seemed to slowly tick by. Finally it was one lap to go. I was tired and my legs didn't feel the best any more. We came around to the descent and the first attack started our last lap race. I got surged and found myself towards the back hanging on for dear life. I popped on the hill and tried to just keep my legs going for just a little bit longer. When I crossed the line I was out of breath and out of water but very happy.
The Women 1,2,3,4 field hammering up the hill.
Michelle tearing it up as a cat 4.
The women field string out over the hill
Women Sprint finish
Craig Creeden racing to a 13th place in the mens 3 race
Men pro 1,2 photo finish for 4th-6th place
Umm...Where did Ryan's hair go??
All in all I think I learned alot this weekend. I could have done alot better on Saturday but I took alot away from the race. With Sunday's race I was extremely happy with how I did. In the previous year I was dropped and this year I hung in. I mean I would have liked to get onto the podium or even win it, I mean who wouldn't, but I also learned alot from this race and I am totally excited for my next crit. maybe then I can finally get the win I have been chasing after all season.
thanks for reading!
Ciao
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