Today was the first time we’d raced in a few weeks, and I was looking forward to it. The Criterium of Brentwood was a local race, against a lot of local women and out-of-towners, and it promised to be action-filled (any time Team Belladium is a part of a race, that race will be action-filled!). The women’s Cat 3/4 race was at 10:10, and I got to Maryland Farms in plenty of time to see the four 3s and give them some encouraging words before their race began. Much to my surprise, Todd asked Cali and me to join Jonell, Lisa C, Shelly, and Valerie in their race. So we quickly got our numbers on and hit the start line. I got the perfect amount of warm-up (my short ride to the venue) and was ready to race! This was probably the most nervous I’ve felt at the start of a race, mainly just because I didn’t really have any time to think about this particular race.
Lisa, Jonell, Olga, Marsha, me, Katie, and Amy P
There was a fair amount of action in the 30-minute race, including a crash that resulted in a break in the 26-women field. This is the first time I’ve ever been in a crash, and I felt bad because I ran my front wheel into the back of another racer. She was OK, though, and so was I and everyone else. It was actually kind of nice to know that I’d get a free lap and to use the little road we had to get to the pit to recover slightly. This was a long course, so we got a few minutes to catch our breath and regain our composure. In the end, Cali came out the winner and I was 5th. Hooray for Team Belladium!
Coming off the start line in the 1/2/3 race
The second race began at 12:50, and this 1/2/3 race was the one I’d been anticipating. I lined up with my teammates Cali, Kat, Lee, Lisa, and Parri; we had numbers in this race too!
Coming down toward the start/finish line
When we lined up, I wasn’t sure how my legs would feel, and I was pleasantly surprised to find that they did me quite well.
One of my few attacks—I wished I'd had more in me to continue attacking
There was never a break, which is very surprising for as often as we attacked.
Starting the lead out—Lisa, me, Kat, Parri, Cali, and Lee
But I stayed with the field. Never mind that I finished 15th in the 16-women field—I stayed strong and felt great the entire race.
Cali moving into fifth place
Stats:
- Warm Up: 30:00, 8.23 mi, 17 mph, 139 HR
- Cat 3/4 Race: 28:31, 10.6 mi, 22.2 mph (31.6 max), 161 HR (192 max)
- Cat Pro/1/2/3 Race: 49:40, 18.9 mi, 22.9 mph (31.2 max), 174 HR (199 max)
- Cool Down: 25:15, 6.6 mil, 15.8 mph, 146 HR
Now I am tired. Time to relax!
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