Glencoe Criterium - All Smiles Today.

First off, this race was very well organized and put together. Glencoe is such a beautiful area and it was a great course. I woke up early to watch the men's race and get in a good warm up. To my surprise, I was feeling pretty good after racing yesterday at Grayslake.

Before the race, I made contact with a few friends that gave me there insights on the course and what to watch for. I think about 25 women lined up, not sure. A lot of the regulars. I was happy to see them. I took position on the inside and up front. Brian informed me about turn 2. I was in good hands with both Brian and David out there to yell at me when I needed it. Race started. I felt strong and decided to stay up front. I made a few attacks and had a gap going but no one followed so I fell back. I didn't want to stay in the middle of the field so I stayed up front. I knew many of the women where happy to see me out front but I was not tired at all. At about 3 laps to go, I was holding 2nd position. I had this big smile on my face as I raced. I knew exactly what was going to happen. My goal was to pick it up after turn 3. I had a feeling Pascale was going to do the same or go sooner. I could hear David and Brian yelling at me to get off the front but I just wanted to see if I could hit it from 2nd position. Last lap, I was holding 2nd position, I knew Leah and P5 team where right behind me or just beside me. As we made turn 3, I saw Pascale hit it. I then saw the field ahead of us just before the last turn. I couldn't believe it!! We all had to make the last turn with the field on the outside. It was crazy! I saw Pascale fly by. I took off and somehow I hit Leah's wheel. Not sure what happened. I lost my balanced but recovered and saw Leah look back at me. I wasn't giving up.... I quickly got up and sprinted. I knew some riders got ahead ...... I came in 12th Place. I still had a blast and was happy to have raced like I did. I raced aggressively and confident. I love it even though I didnt get great results. I had that fire again back in me and I was all smiles. Watch out.... here I come Downers Grove.