Sunday, Vacaville District Championships. Team members: Helene, Kristin, Jana, Emily, Kristina, Shelley It was a 16 lap race with a hill longer than Santa Cruz but not steeper and there were 3 primes totalling $100. 30 riders in the field including 3-4 Palo Alto, 3 McGuire, Amber Rais from Webcor, Cynthia Mommsen, Jenny Eyerman, etc. After about 3 laps there was a prime and Kristin attacked just before the bell. She stayed away to win the prime and as soon as she rejoined the group, Helene attacked. She managed to stay out in the wind for about 6 laps with Palo Alto, McGuire, and Los Gatos chasing. I followed a chase group of 3 and sat on as they failed to catch Helene and we got caught by the group again. Helene scooped up the 2nd prime while she was out there too. With about 7 laps to go we were gaining on Helene at the top of the hill. I countered and jumped before the downhill corner and as soon as I went through the start finish they rang the final prime bell for $60. I really was ! just trying to force the other teams to react by countering and not let them rest at all, so getting the last prime was a bonus. It was very hot and I wasn't feeling great, so I sat up on the hill and rejoined the pack to rest. With 3 to go, Kristina made the most critical move of the day. She came from nowhere and moved right to the front of the pack and controlled the entire field for 2 laps. This allowed me to sit comfortably in the pack and wait for the move from the other teams. On the final lap, the field was spread across the road at the top of the hill. Two Palo Alto girls jumped, Jenni Tafoya and Stacey Marple and I slid in behind Stacey for the perfect lead out. Jenny drilled it through the two final corners at a pace no one else would challenge, so I was sitting in the perfect position. Then she started her sprint from the front and Stacey was just following her wheel. So, just before the final chicane, I jumped and took it wide and then cut the corner and sprinted to the finish. I couldn't believe no one was with me. What an amazing feeling it was to win a race that we had controlled the entire time and that everyone played a role in. I was so proud to ride for such a strong, aggressive team.. We could be unbeatable if we continue to ride so well together. It's awesome!!! ~ Shelley
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