Had a great race. After last week and getting dropped from the main pack after 4 laps, decided to stick to my game plan. Reviewed the course prior to the race and came up with gear strategy. focused on ensuring cadence stayed around 90 but not higher. On climb, allowed cadence to stay around 80, which made the hill much easier. Found a good wheel to follow and stayed near front of pack for whole race. On prime lap, stayed in position as third wheel waiting for someone to jump. As we got closer, decided to go for it and won the sprint! Never happier about a $10 gift certificate :-)... Stuck to my plan and slowed, waiting for the pack after winning the sprint, this helped me get my wind back and recover more quickly. 5 laps to go after winning the prime and felt good - stayed with the front of the pack, staying protected and guarding my position. HR high on climb, back down to LT+ on rest of course. With two laps to go, a minor crash happened behind me, but nothing too serious. Down to last lap, still hanging in top 5 position... Getting pumped for final push started what seemed like miles from the end! Pushed as hard as I could, but slowly lost ground, finishing 12 overall. Should have tried to ride someones wheell longer towards the finish and try for a final push closer to the line - that is why these are training rides :-)

Stay protected longer for final sprint.

Took a cool down lap, ate second half of balance bar and downed two bottles of water. Stretched legs out, left hamstring pretty tight.


Good training race - friendly field. Great opportunity to practice racing on challenging course.