The Dirt Field

The Race: Chantilly Crit

The Course: An office park, two corners, 20 miles

The Field: Cat 3 women, racing with the cat 1/2 women

The Finish: 1st, 5th overall

Despite the generally poor weather, this was a smooth, normal crit. The field was strong and women kept attacking, but nothing stuck, as moments after somebody would go up the road, the front of the pack would start sprinting and reel her in. I worked too hard and stayed in the wind too much (can’t seem to help it and/or figure out where to put myself), but came into the final corner as the second wheel. That was nice, until I started leading out stronger sprinters (oops) and then had to brake quickly to avoid crashing as I crossed wheels with another rider.

Have I mentioned how much I enjoy field sprints? LOVE THEM. I want to do them everywhere I go. Forget lining up for the toll booths on 267; I want everyone to drive as fast as we can all at once to see who can get to pay $.75 first!

Okay, so I’m feeling a little downtrodden about my lack of smarts when it comes to road racing. This deficit is more apparent when the fields are stronger, and I spent most of this race trying to figure out where to be and what to do. Attack? Sit in? Chase down? I think it would help to commit more to courses of action; when it’s time to sit in, don’t end up in the front, and if it’s an advantageous place to attack, then I need to set up and go like WHOA. Riding timidly feels defeating.

On a more positive note, Monika deserves a medal for always being cheerful and excited before races, especially in the face of my moody, anxious silence.