CONQUER THE CANYONS STAGE RACE - PODIUM

Conquer the Canyons -Stage 1, 4m prologue:The prologue was a 4 mile, mostly uphill, road that was set in the Santa Monica Mountains. It was absolutely a gorgeous day, and everything was run very smoothly. As all TT efforts are, it was a tough 4 miles but Kate and I were able to manage 2nd and 3rd respectively. Stage 2, Circuit race:Once the results were posted for the TT, Kate and I were able to figure a decent strategy for the circuit/crit. It was a flat, fast loop which the kept the pace interesting, especially in competition with all of those southern california crit riders. There were two time bonus sprints available, and although we both tried for one neither Kate or I were able to get in the right position to take the points. However, on the final lap I was able to pick a good wheel that would put me in 3rd for the final sprint with Kate right behind me in 5th. Stage 3, Road race:There was only one part of the 7 mile loop that could divide the field - a 1 mile climb on the far side of the course. The first time around the loop both Kate and I sat in the group in an effort to get a feel. On the second time around we were neutralized because of an accident at the bottom of the descent, so Kate and I had to be patient. On the third time up the climb Kate made a strong attack which definitely shook some of those sprinters. However, it was not enough to break up the field and we were once again together as we rounded the course again. Unfortunately, the marshalls decided to cut the race short - at the base of the "final" climb! So Kate and I had only one more chance to get away from the field. Kate attacked again, two of the girls in contention went with her, I followed and got on the front of the field and tried to keep the pace high. It ended in a field sprint coming into the final turn and Kate made a great finish in 5th and me right behind her in 6th. Overall, we had a great time down south. Kate finished 4th while I finished 3rd. - ABBY