Just like my tennis career, this sport definitely has it's highs and lows. This weekend was a major turning point for me. I thought for a while I had lost that fire, that spark and smile that siads " god I love this." I carpooled up to the race with Kristen Meshberg and raced in the womens open at 12:45. I was very excited to race my 1st 50 mins criterium with some very experienced riders such as the BH team. Also, I'd be racing with my coach Madeleine Puissant, whom is also on the BH team. This was a great opportunity to learn and see how a team can work together.
I was feeling sluggest as I warmed up. The weather was hot and humid. The wind had picked up to 20 mph. We all lined up. It was a small field of about 15 women. Mainly, cat 1,2,3 riders and a few cat 4's. Race started. Kristen went out strong right away. She had a good gap going and no one went out after her.... not even me.. Ah! We all pretty much stayed together. I went out front and took a few pulls. Tried a few attacks but nothing big. The head wind was very strong. Then Devon from BH team went out strong and no one bridged up to her either, I think. Half way through the race, Pascale from P5 went out front and had a good gap going for a while. I think it was Madeleine and I who brought the field up to Pascale. For the remainder of the race, I tired moving around a bit and taking more pulls. Last lap, Kristen and Devon had come around and took front in the field with Madeleine. I stayed about 7th position. However, I was considering moving up to Madeleine's wheel. It was to late. The pace had picked up. I should have made that move sooner. The last lap, I should have moved up to 4 position before turn 2. Pascale hit it hard as usual. I got in my drops. I sprinted and shifted into a harder gear and got a little more power out of that and came in 8th place.... not bad for my 1st women's open criterium.
Afterwards, I talked with a few of the women and congratulated them on a race well done. I then turned and smiled up at the sky. A feeling of gratitude came over me. I was grateful for today. I had finally raced with my coach Madeleine and with all these great women that come out and put their test of fitness, skills and strenghts to work out there. Thank you to Madeleine, and the BH team. It was a great day of learning from all of you. Also, thank you Kristen Meshberg for another great race weekend. Congratulations on your wins!!!
Pictures and full race results to come..
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