The Dirt Field

The Race: Speed Week Beaufort Criterium
The Course: 50 laps with 4 corners
The Field: Pro 1/2/3 women
The Finish: 9th

I’ve procrastinated long enough in writing this report that it’s nearly time to head out to race Walterboro. Let’s make this quick.

Things That Were Good:

• I got my first call up at a national level race. It was awesome! I’ve never had the chance to roll up to the back of the field and be like, “excuse me, excuse me” to get through to the front. When I got to the start line, I wanted to tell the people on either side of me how cool it was, but they looked busy getting ready to race and be serious and stuff.
• When it came time to get into position with a few laps to go, I was able to get to the front and be in contention for the sprint.
• I did too much work and was tired, but pushed the fatigue aside and held it together for a 9th place finish.

Things That Were Less Good:

• Nearly every time I hit the last corner, I would expect it to be sharper and thus swing wider than everybody else, which meant that I was alone in the wind to the right of the field lap after lap.
• I didn’t make any decisive moves with regards to the two riders up the road; I worked too much to not be attacking, but not enough to bridge or chase effectively.
• I lost a few places in the last corner and generally should have cornered more quickly/tightly throughout the race.

Finishing 9th was a little disappointing after the 6th place at Roswell, but still not a bad result when I think of where I was a year ago. I know I did the best I could, but I also knew during the race that I was making mistakes that were costing me energy. It just felt like I couldn’t stop making them, so I worked harder to make up for them. Tonight – just a few hours from now – I’ll get a chance to start fresh.

Thanks to everybody who has been following along with this adventure and providing advice and support. I couldn’t do it without you!