Bethel Spring Series - Tour de Kirche - CycleCriterium

This was my first crit so only had a little knowledge of what to do. While in line for the bathroom a couple of girls were saying that the race was going to be fast because it was a stacked field. Oh great :o
Before the start the official explained the primes but I had no clue what he was on about. I guess those were the laps when the bell rang and we went a bit faster.
On the start I had trouble getting clipped in (not usually a problem) and ended up in a lousy position at the start. I did not like the feeling of being in the middle/back of the pack so tried to work my way up around the side on the next few laps. HR was pretty low, didn't even need to stand going up the hill.
I didn't really get the prime lap...I actually thought they were breaks so I went with them both times. I think I could have gotten one if I had tried (and knew what was going on). Something to think about for the coming weeks. With about 5 laps to go I though...when is someone going to do something. Finally AL took the lead - she is such a workhorse! Not a great sprinter but she can go 25 mph for hours! She led out the last two laps and really started to push the pace with 1 lap to go. AMM and another gal were right behind her and I was in 4th. At the last hill I passed by AL and charged up the hill with the other two gals. I felt so awkward trying to sprint out of the saddle. Something I definitely need to work on! I also think I started sprinting a tad to early and was in the wrong gear. I thought there were only prizes for the top three and eased up at the end and ended up getting passed by 2 girls. Should not have done that...I wound up 6th - 1 place out of $ but I did earn a point ( not sure what that means) but one of my coaches said that was great for my first race.

So much! But hey...it was my first race :)

2 laps around the course.


knowledge. A bit flat feeling from yesterday's ride.


Can't wait for next week!