In the midst of so much stress and studying last week, I needed a break to exercise my competitive spirit. Saturday's Frisco CX #1 provided just the venue for hypoxic fun. The day was beautiful, beer was on tap, brats were smoking on the grill, and the always-challenging Frisco course added to spectator excitement and an all-around cyclocross delight!
I was stoked to be riding my new carbon wheels and TRP magnesium brakes... they are sweet!
My race took off fast and furious with an uphill sprint, and after a week of stress and sleepless nights I was unsure how strongly my legs would respond on the power-heavy course.
I hung in and gradually moved up during the race, all the while still thinking I was mid-pack.
Only on the last lap did I find out I was in 4th place! I bridged the gap to 2nd and 3rd (2 well-known pros), and surged into 3rd. I was right on 2nd, but also knew I was being hunted from behind. Just when my opportunity emerged to make my move before the final set of barriers, I was rudely squeezed out by a 45+ guy who didn't want to be "chicked," and the gap closed. The girl behind me flew around the outside as I panicked, backpedaled, swung to the outside and sprinted in desperation of still getting 3rd. Oh so close! I lost 3rd at the line by about 2 feet, and 2nd by about 2 bike lengths! While I was definitely bummed to get shut out of a podium, it was my best 'cross finish ever and a big confidence booster!
The day warmed up to pleasant short-sleeve weather by the time Chris' race took off in the afternoon.
Chris was among a large 56 person field in his category.
He looked strong and very technically efficient, even while other guys were crashing around him!
Looking forward to racing this weekend... there's a storm moving in to give us some real 'cross weather... nasty and cold, I can't wait!
1 comment:
Long Live the Bat Cats!!!
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