AMERICAN VELODROME CHALLENGE scratch race - WIN!

* image from points race friday night

American Velodrome Challenge - 5k Scratch Race

Field Size: 18

Teammates: Niki, Kelly B, Tracey

Competition was stiff for this short 15 lap scratch race at Hellyer Velodrome. Our field had National Champions Jennie Reed and Becky Quinn, as well as some other track all-stars Anna Lang, Cari Higgins, and Annette Hansen. After an aggressive Points Race the night before, the PROMAN ladies knew that we would have to control the Scratch Race from the very beginning and take advantage of our strength in numbers in order to win the race. We had a plan and it was executed precisely. From the sound of the bell, Tracey was to get to the front and string the field out, leaving the high side of the track open to set up Niki for an all-out attack. 2 laps in to the 15 lap race, Niki attacked over the top and from deep in the field to quickly gain a significant advantage on the pack. Kelly B and I positioned ourselves strategically in the front of the chase behind two local riders Mary Maroon and Julie Adams and one other. After a few attempts to pull Niki back, Mary began looking over her shoulder for help from the field. The other riders were reluctant to help chase. After 4 or 5 laps of indecisiveness within the field, Becky Quinn moved to the front and I was on her wheel immediately. I could see that Niki was coming back to the group and as we rounded the turn into the finishing stretch the catch was imminent. 7 laps remained in the race and I was ready for my move. As we made contact with Niki, the field was strung out behind me and I was riding in about 4th wheel. I saw the opening and I jumped around the riders ahead of me and buried myself in an all out sprint for a lap. When I came around the final turn, the lap cards read 6 to go. I thought to myself, "it's as if you are doing a Mass Start Test, just practice going as hard as you can for 6 laps. If you get caught, your teammates will counter." I put my head down and pressed on. Fellow local riders and spectators all around the track inspired me to keep going. I could hear people yelling that the gap was opening and that I was pulling away. I looked over my shoulder and across the track and I could see the pack in a disorganized state. With 3 laps to go, I was nervous that I could still get caught. I thought all it would take is for Jennie Reed to jump out of the field and sprint across the gap and my lead would be gone in a matter of seconds. Luckily, the chase never materialized and the other riders were content to race for second. Although I was disappointed that the field did not race more competitively, I was amazed at how strong and smart my teammates were today. We held our own in a field of National, World, and Pan-American game Champions. We had a perfect plan and we pulled it off. Niki absolutely sacrificed herself for us to get the win and she did it perfectly. The timing, the efforts, and the positioning of all the PROMAN ladies throughout the entire race was impeccable. It was so fun and a huge confidence builder for the team. We raced our own race and I was so proud to ride along side the PROMAN women. Thanks to Lorraine for awesome moral support, cheering, and post-race champagne. It was so cool riding at our local track with such great competition in all the categories and races. Thanks for all the support from the local spectators. The best part of the whole weekend had to be getting my picture taken with the two little girls with their hair in braids. They were adorable...Thanks for reading - Shelley

WATSONVILLE CRITERIUM - WIN!

Tracey, Abby, and I were all present for a somewhat surprising (size) field at Watsonville on Saturday. It was a technical crit with 6 turns and a small hill up to the finish in a 3/4-mile loop. Virginia (CRC), Abby, and I were all active at the start of the race--mostly Virginia and Abby launching attacks like they were going out of style, and me jumping with Virginia and then pushing the pace through the hill. It was difficult to get a gap due to the technicality of the course, and the fact that there were several strong riders that were content to sit-on/chase, although Abby was at the front pushing the pace throughout to keep the pressure on.

At about the half-way point, Virginia (CRC) launched a promising attack with Abby close on her wheel, as I was several wheels back in the chase group behind the gap. Virginia flatted just before a tight corner at nearly full speed and took a nasty fall--which fortunately Abby was able to avoid. Abby sat up at that point as did the rest of the field out of courtesy, and we waited for Virginia after the free lap to rejoin the group.

From there it was much of the same until the finish. Virginia attacked on the last lap with Tracey sitting right on her wheel for nearly a textbook leadout to the finish, which she, without hesitation, capitalized on for the PROMAN win! I finished in 3rd just behind the Webcor/Alto Velo sprinter, and Abby was just off of my wheel into 6th. - Kate

MOUNT DIABLO HILLCLIMB & LAFAYETTE CRITERIUM

Lafayette Criterium
Field size 41
Teammates: Tracey, Emily, Kate and Abby: Welcome back Emily!
Weather: warm and windy

I never found my rhythm on this course. Too many bot-dots, a nasty 120 degree turn with no good lines, no great place to move up, and some sketchy riders taking corners like Cat 4 men. My plan was to conserve in the beginning and try to get in a break mid to late race. I wanted to do well in the omnium which included the Mt. Diablo hill climb the day prior.

We started fast and there were a few attacks, but nothing stuck. I sat in and so did Tracey, waiting for the field sprint. Kate, Abby and Emily were more active at the front. But instead of initiating attacks, we were more following wheels. The race proceeded this way and mid-race I was towards the front and tried to go with a few attacks. Again, nothing stuck for more than a lap or two and I tired myself out. I was content to sit back in and recover. A very threatening break got away with about 6 laps to go which included Kelly (Touchstone), Flavia, and two other riders. I was too far back in the group to get to the break and was frustrated I had missed it. I just could not find my rhythm to move up on this course.

Kate, Abby and other riders made an effort to bring back the break. With a few to go, the break was caught. I was surprised, but heard afterwards the girls were not working well together, and instead attacking each other. Otherwise, I think they would have stayed away. With two to go I moved myself up. I looked around for our secret weapon Tracey, but she was no where to be found. Later reports confirmed as Abby was moving her up with two to go, Alto Velo sketchy-rider-of-the-year took out her front wheel causing her to loose momentum and unclip to prevent a fall. So there I was, one to go, with no sprinter on my wheel. Oh no, I thought, this isn’t going to be a lead-out this is going to be a SPRINT. I made a huge effort to move up to the front into the last 120 degree turn. I again took a horrible line, fumbled over some bot dots and then I exploded into full power!! I was like a freight train barreling up the long uphill drag to the finish. My legs were pulsing, head down, sweat pouring off of me. I ended up 8th. I asked Courtney and Emily and all my friends if they had seen my big sprint. No, they all said, we must have missed it…

I wanted to say thanks to VAC’s Courtney Brown for her support all weekend! And now I know why she is getting into triathlons!

Highlights and Lowlights of the Crit:
Highlight: watching my boyfriend win the field sprint in the Cat 4s to take 2nd place! Geoff is a ‘sprinter’ like me.
Lowlight: watching the winner of the Cat4 race come across the line and give his victory salute—which was a gesture with his hands to give-him-some, and a tongue move that almost made me gag. Yes he rode well solo off the front, but please don’t do that move again, I will have nightmares.
Photos of both here: http://www.cloverphoto.com/gallery/3161966#174005749

http://kckingphoto.smugmug.com/gallery/3163417#173868861

MT DIABLO HILL CLIMB:

The hill climb was a blast, as all uphill time trials seem to be (ha). The usual crowd was there, and it was good to see some friends that I hadn't seen since before Nature Valley. Personally, the race wasn't my best performance, but Kristina seemed pleased when she came through the finish line. She should be really proud of herself on a stellar performance up hill! - ABBY

LAFAYETTE CRITERIUM

It was nice to have Emily back in the race plan, as this was the first race back from her injury a couple of months ago. Emily did a fine job of doing a lot of work at the beginning of the race by launching a couple of attacks and keeping the pace high. I did my best to cover as much as I could at the beginning of the race, and Kate certainly took on a lot of work herself during the rest of the race. Kate did a lot of work keeping the speed up and not allowing anyone to get away. Tracy was sitting in for the final sprint, but unfortunately, got caught up in a blunder on the final lap. Kristina was our leading scorer with a great sprint at the finish. Well done, ladies. - ABBY

CARRERA de SAN RAFAEL - PODIUM!

Carrera De San Rafael:
1hr crit, 6:30pm start,
players: Shelly, Helene, Kristina, Kristen, Niki, Kate, Abby, Kelly, and myself (Rachel)

most of us raced this morning at Infineon thinking that we could take it easy. (personally I didn't want to have to hang out ALL day "taking it easy" and waiting to race.) Rode to the start at around 5pm, met everyone under the Paradigm tent and hopped on thetrainers. Pre race meeting with Dario who would be on the radios directing us for this race. We laid out our plans: Get Helene or I in a favorable break (meaning one with no sprinters in it for me, or a good strong group for Helene.) If Helene or I were not in a favorably composed break Proman was to bring it back in for a field sprint for Shelly. Helene and I were to conserve for the first half and cover attacks and make any moves during the second half. We rode a couple of laps and lined up. Laura Charmeda - Advil shot off the line as the race started with the bang of a cannon? And I soon realized that this was going to be a fast and aggressive race. I guess Helene wasn't listening when Dario told us to save it for the second half, because it seemed like she was chasing everything down and initiating attacks all by herself. Shelly got off solo for a few laps early in the race but was brought back. Kristen got into a break with a Jazz Apple and a Vello Bella(Monica?) The field half heartedly chased for a while then Martina bridged across bringing me with her. While we were bridging across, Jazz Apple dropped Kristen and Monica. Martina, me and now Monica formed a new break now chasing Jazz Apple. Dario kept telling me not to work, which was hard for me. I tried to just roll through, but we were all taking at least 1 lap pulls. We kept Jazz at around 6-8 seconds, but Martina wasn't liking my lack luster pulls and attacked to bridge to Jazz by herself. We made contact with Jazz apple together a few laps before the field caught us. Proman had brought the break back according to plan. Martina could easily out sprint me (and I was more tired from this morning and the preceding week than I had thought.) We were back together with 5 laps to go, and with 3 to go Kristina appeared from nowhere to start the lead out. I immediately got on her wheel with Shelly, Helene, and Kristen not far behind the 2 Jazz Apple lead out girls. Kristina pulled off just before bell lap and I put my head down. I love taking the turn off A St. onto 4th street in the lead. I went through for the bell and made the turn into the hill (D st.) About half way up the hill I felt someone leaning on my rear wheel and heard the crash. Then I heard Shelly yelling "Go Rachel" it was like a flash back to last year (minus the crash) when Shelly told me to go in the winning move. I admit, I looked back and hesitated a bit (I hate crashes) and saw Stacy Marple on the ground and Anna Lang (she won this morning at Infineon) I tried to block out feelings of empathy and kept going. The 2 Jazz Apples came around me before the turn and my legs were empty. I don't how she did it, but Shelly came flying past up 4th street and sprinted to an amazing 2nd place. (I wish I could sprint, I just found myself swarmed at the finish.) Shelly, Helene, and Kristen were caught behind the crash and all our plans for a textbook lead out were dashed to the ground. This was an amazing race. The pace never let up, the crowds never let up and we put on a great show for downtown San Rafael. Sure we didn't get the win, but some things you just can't control. Thanks for reading. -Rachel

CARRERA de SAN RAFAEL - PRESS

PRO WOMEN'S RACE PREVIEW:
Escalation of Forces

As reported in this space last week, the Pro Women's race could be the most exciting action of the evening with two locally-based National-level pro teams looking to claim San Rafael as their territory.

Value-Act Capital is sending a full roster, including two sprinters that know the Carrera parcours well, Martina Patella and Courtenay Brown. Team Value-Act has spent the last two months at top national races with guest-rider Katie Mactier, Australian national road race champion and World pursuit champion. Mactier's tutelage has helped ValueAct grow into a cohesive team that can compete at the highest levels.

However, defending Carrera champion Rachel Lloyd of the PROMAN cycling team has a clear message for all comers: Bring it.

In June, Lloyd snared second place at the tough Nevada City Classic, and then in July took wins in Davis and the Northern California/Nevada Criterium Championships in consecutive weeks. As if the Lloyd's form wasn't enough, the PROMAN team is packing the double-threat of Helene and Kristin Drumm, the sensational Shelley Olds, whose consistent podium presence landed her an invite to the Olympic Training Center, along with Tracey Ford, Kistina Seley, and Nicola Cranmer.

Escaping this group won't be easy, but the Jazz Apple team doesn't do easy races. Hailing from New Zealand, this young team has been on the podium at the toughest one-day races on the West Coast over the last month. Malindi Mclean took the silver at the Manhattan Beach Grand Prix, and Rushlee Buchanan claimed the bronze at Nevada City-and they're not even twenty yet. Backing them at Carrera will be Alison Shanks, New Zealand's Time Trial Champion, and Susy Pryde, who draws on her years of racing experience to coach the Jazz Apple team.

If you thought you saw fireworks on the Fourth of July, just wait for Saturday night in San Rafael!

Carrera parcours is tougher than it looks
SAN RAFAEL TRACK CONDITIONS LOOKING GOOD FOR NIGHT RACING

San Rafael is considered to be one of the best race venues in the state, with central access to spectators, media, sponsors, transportation and lodging.
But the track itself is favored by the racers for its fast pavement, sweeping turns and picturesque setting.
Located in the heart of bustling downtown, the finishing strait shoots right up between popular restaurants and historic buildings, lined each side by spectator-friendly sidewalks.
In only nine-tenths of a mile and four turns, racers get an adhesion-testing full-speed corner at Fourth and A Streets, a gradual climb and right turn to D Street, then the D Street climb where the race is often won or lost, and then the blazing-fast straight to A Street.
The City of San Rafael takes pride in its hometown race, as evidenced by the Department of Public Works' careful preparation. Streets are thoroughly swept before the races, pavement fixes are made, and hundreds of metal crowd barriers are placed to protect spectators.
Watching over the event is San Rafael Police, who ensure that traffic in the area runs as smooth as possible, and San Rafael Fire, on hand with paramedics to assist crash victims in the race. Our thanks are given to all the City workers who make this possible.
Illuminating the streets at night well enough for racers to perform their best is no easy task. Ghilotti Construction's light towers will be positioned at key places along the Carrera track, easing the transition from daylight to dusk.
Spectator access is wide-open for the whole course, but look for the Carrera corner marshals-cross the course only when they give the ok!

Carrera de San Rafael is brought to you by
Green Light Sports, LLC

COUGAR MOUNTAIN CRITERIUM - NRC - PODIUM

Cougar Mountain Classic - Criterium

Teammates: Niki, Kristina, Helene, Rachel, Kristin

This year the turn out for the race was much better than last year. We actually raced with the men last year because there were so few women. The course was a little different this year, but very similar. Not much to it. It was just a long oval-shaped course on the race track that finished after a sharp left-hand turn and a sweeping right into a very short straightaway. As a team, the PROMAN ladies looked at the course, checked out the competition, and decided we should try and keep it together for a field sprint. The race started pretty slow and in the first 3 laps I don't even think my heart rate went above zone 1. But, some of the big teams were there and the attacks began with Webcor launching the first attack and getting a pretty good gap that would stick for about a lap. As each move came back, another one was instigated and PROMAN was constantly patrolling the front to keep it together and bring those moves back. At one point, a break of about 10 girls went up the road that had all the big teams represented. Webcor, Cheerwine, JazzApple, Tibco, ValueAct, and PROMAN too. Because the move was so big and we had decided we would race for a field sprint today, we decided to bring it back. But not until we got a little work out of some of the big contenders that had missed the move themselves. Niki was instrumental in bringing the move back. As soon as she made her way to the front, she started driving the pack back to the break and within seconds, the field was back together. Now there's about 35 girls all together and about 5 laps to go. Kristina, as always, makes her way to my front wheel and takes me to the front to begin positioning me for the sprint. It's like clockwork with her to find me and make sure I'm doing my job right. It's a beautiful thing. So, we move up to about 5th wheel and there's about 2 laps to go now. A Webcor move goes off the front and Rachel is there to cover it, with me bridging across as well 2 wheels back. Now the field is strung out going into the last lap and I am sitting 4th wheel behind Anna Lang. We knew the race would be won by the rider that hit the corner best and hardest in the last lap. Well, today that wasn't me. I hesitated for one moment in the final lap and as I did, Anna jumped. I was stuck on her wheel until the final left turn, but I took it way too hot and had to break coming out of it to avoid the haystacks. Anna was gone. She is an amazing sprinter and today I learned that she is a great bike-handler too. I held off the field for second, but was disappointed in myself for a couple of reasons. First, I should never hesitate when my instinct tells me to go. This is something I am becoming more and more aware of with every 2nd or 3rd place result, because it is clearly the moment that I let the win slip away. Trust your instincts. If you think you should go, go!! You'll never regret trying, but you'll always regret not giving it a shot. At least that's how I feel. Second, I should have rode that corner from the front a couple of times throughout the race to get a feel for what line I should have taken. Knowing a course is critical, especially when there's tricky corners and this one was tricky. I definitely should not have been breaking in it on the final lap though. Finally, I was disappointed that I let my team down. They worked the race perfectly today, in an effort to give me the chance to win the field sprint. I am honored that they had faith in me and rode as hard as they did today. It was a really fun race and the team is getting stronger and more cohesive every day. Sometimes bike racing is just a gamble that's worth taking. -Shelley

STILLWATER CRITERIUM - NVGP

Nature Valley Grand Prix:

Day 5: Stage 6: Stillwater Criterium

Today was the final day of racing for this stage race. The course was very similar to Cat's Hill in Los Gatos except the "hill" was much longer and steeper with a gradual climb as well on the back side of the course. I was feeling good going into the race, but you never know what your legs will feel like after 5 hard stages and after sprinting up a very steep hill a couple of times. I was 6th on GC going into this final stage and really wanted to maintain my position overall, if not better it. Virginia, Holly, Kate, and Abby were all ready to race as well and willing to help me maintain my GC position any way they could. Awesome teammates..... The race started literally at the base of the climb and the finish would be at the top after 12 laps. Every other lap would be a sprint lap or a queen of the mountain lap, so there was just no rest whatsoever throughout the race. Luckily, it was only a 50 minute race. I got a horrible start, probably about 4 rows back, but I was able to weave my way up to about 15th wheel by the top of the climb. I think it was probably the second time up the climb that Kristin Armstrong attacked and easily rode away from the field. Unfortunately, most of us were content with letting her go, except for Webcor's Mara Abbott who waited until after the climb to attack out of the field and bridge up to Kristin. These two women are amazing athletes, and very gracious winners as well. I admire them both very much and hope to ride like them someday. So, now I am riding with what's left of the field and the chase has split into two big groups. I am in the first chase group with about 15 riders with several Webcor and Lipton girls. It was up to me, Cheerwine, and ValueAct to chase. I did what I could to keep the time gap as minimal as possible by leading up the climb and over as much as I could. Some riders would pull through and help on the backside of the course, while other Lipton and Webcor riders began their attacks. I think the gap was big enough that they were not concerned with catching the leaders, so they wanted to try and work the rest of us over and move themselves up on GC. The last five laps of the race were fast, with attacks coming left and right. Kori Seehafer, Meredith Miller, Amber Rais, and Kathryn Curi were all strong riders in my group initiating attacks. I found myself closing gaps a lot and chasings girls down in a desperate effort to hold on to my GC. I remember thinking a couple of times that I should attack, but I was not confident that I would not blow up and be worse off for doing it. Next year I hope to have better confidence in my fitness and to be willing to take a risk like that in the final stage of a race this big. Our chase group was caught by the group behind us by the final lap and so about 30 women finished the race together. Every one else was pulled from the race earlier. I was near the front coming into start line on the final lap, probably about 6th wheel. Laura Van Gilder attacked out of our group and took it all the way to the line to complete the podium and Rachel Heal and Alex Wrublexi held on for 4th and 5th. I finished 6th on the day and 6th overall and was extremely happy with my result. This was an amazing race and I will for sure come back and do it next year. It was well-organized, well-attended, and the people of Minnesota were enthusiastic and extremely friendly. Our hosts were unbelievable and or mechanical support was as well. Thanks to Chris Black, Trish Bell, Niki Cranmer, Bryan, Shauna, and Griffin, and all of my teammates for making this an unforgettable experience. Shelley

DAVIS 4TH JULY - WIN! & PODIUM!

MANHATTAN BEACH GP - NRC

Manhattan Beach Grand Prix:

Field: 65 riders

Teammates: Kristina

For me, this race was more like a Laura Van Gilder clinic on how to sprint and how not to sprint. She pretty much schooled me all day long in this race, but hey, she isn't such a stud for nothing. You also have to lose to learn how to win, so it was a good learning experience for me. Early in the 60 minute race, I thought about going for some primes just to get a feel for the sprint and how strong the field was. There was probably a prime on every lap, so I figured, why not? The first one I went for I tried an attack and Laura went with me. Having her on your wheel isn't really a good thing going into any sprint, so I sat up instead of dragging her to the line only to come around me at the last minute. The next prime was a couple laps later. I noticed Laura's teammate, Catherine Cheatley, moving up possibly to prepare for the sprint, so I followed her wheel and quickly realized it was just me and her. She motioned for me to come around her and help, so I jumped hard and attacked up the left side and was able to hold it to the line. Maybe they let me go, maybe they didn't... either way I was glad to have at least gotten one prime. The next prime was painful for me in a lot of ways. The field was strung out approaching the final turn before the finish and I was riding in about 7th wheel with Laura in 3rd wheel. I thought it would be a perfect opportunity to attack, catch Laura off-guard, and win the $100 prime. Well, I was wrong and totally misjudged Laura's savviness and strength. She was on my wheel the second I sprinted passed her. When I noticed she was on my wheel, I sat up and coasted through the corner, hoping she would attack me and I could jump on her wheel, or at least someone else would. It didn't happen. The field let me stay on the front even at a snails pace on a money prime lap, so I jumped again and tried to gap her off. That didn't work either. Note to self: Never try and jump from the front, especially when the best sprinter in the country is on your wheel. She ate me alive on that one. Came around right at the end. It was pretty devastating. So, as I'm trying to pick my pride up off the ground, a group of about 7 riders with all the strong teams represented, including Dotsie Bausch of Colavita, comes storming by me. Now there's a break with 2 Cheerwine girls and I am suffering. I look behind me for help and it's Kelly Benjamin from Cheerwine. Sweet. Looks like I'm bridging this gap alone. I put my head down and battled the wind for a half a lap and finally we connected again. The field was right behind me. So, now it's time to recover. I move to the back of the field to get some rest, drink, and eat. There's still 30 minutes left in the race at this point. I kept quiet the rest of the race and with 5 laps to go, Kristina roles up next to me and moves me up to the front of the pack. The pace was varying so much in those last laps, that it was really hard to maintain good position. I stayed on Kristina's wheel for a few laps, but in the swarm of every corner and climb, we lost each other and I found myself with one lap to go about 15 riders deep. I knew this was a poor position to be in, especially in this race, but the cluster and dicey riding that was happening in the last few corners, distracted me from doing what needed to be done to contend for the win. I was caught out. I ended up 6th overall after having to weave in and out of riders on the final straight. Although my result was disappointing to me, I learned so much in the race and I love the fact that I get to ride with women like Laura Van Gilder and her strong teammates. Like I said, you have to lose to learn how to win and I sure learned how not to sprint today. Thanks for Reading - Shelley

VACAVILLE DISTRICT CRIT CHAMPIONSHIPS - WIN!

After last weekend's "Hell Ride" a promotional ride for Santa Cruz bicycles up in Downieville, which was pretty epic (read 60 miles long, 13,000 ft climbing on 6inch travel big free-ride bike with a single front chain ring) I was feeling not only trim, but also strong. Well strong doesn't necessarily mean fast. You know the kind of fast required to say SPRINT!!! I figured that I could do better on the Vacaville/District course (which has a hill) than on the Manhattan Beach course (which also required some travel.) So I was preparing for a Sunday race until Niki convinced me to also race the Fremont crit. "It'll be fun" she said, and I said what the hell! I figured I could just sit in and rest for the next day (which she thought I could win.) Well about 10 minutes before the start Niki and Shelly told me of our plan: Niki would lead us fast off the line and into the last turn before the start/finish and Shelly and I would attack around her and into the hairpin turn, and stay off for the whole race. We ended up racing exactly to plan, but my question was: I THOUGHT I WAS GOING TO "SIT IN?" The next morning Tim graciously offered me a ride to the race and I commenced warming up. I found some nice rural roads winding along the golden foothills and I even spotted what sounded like an Osprey (but looked more like a big Red Tail hawk) trolling along the hills. My legs actually felt fine warming up, I got to check out the course and it looked fun. Lot's of turns and a hill that was easily ride able in the big ring. I checked in with Tracy and Kristen, and Tracy thought a plan of waiting and attacking up the hill late in the race was a good idea. Kristin wanted to keep the plan loose but we agreed to check in with each other during the race. The race was to be 16 laps (I thought I had seen 18 printed somewhere.) We all got front line spots at the start and I got the hole shot off the line.
I like to lead out the first lap so I can determine the lines through the turns. Kristin attacked early on and was off for a few laps, then somewhere in the middle Monica from Velo Bella went off the front. Nobody wanted to chase and we let her dangle for a few laps. It makes me nervous to have someone off the front, and so I started to "chase." I was keeping it at a manageable pace, but was steadily reeling her back in. The pace of the field never was ballistic and with 6 laps to go it really slowed down. I don't like it when it's slow, but I decided to be smart and rest and fuel up. During this slowdown I made my plan. Kristin told me she was still trying to figure out how she felt and my legs were getting this wiggly/antsy feeling that I took as them feeling good. I decided to attack in the chicane (right/left) section of the course with 4 laps to go. There
was a slight tailwind, and a good flat section before the hill. I figured that with the slow pace the girls had gotten complacent and forgotten how to ride the turns fast. The only faulty part of my
plan was that I have trouble riding farther back in the field than 2nd wheel. (This my lack of crit experience) I tried to drift back, but when the moment arrived I was still 2nd wheel and I just said what the hell, and attacked from the front. I drilled it through the turns, along the flat and up the hill. I got a good little gap and just kept my head down. The first two laps felt great and Tim was on the sidelines giving me time splits. On the hill on the third lap (bell lap) I was wishing I had waited one more lap for my attack. The headwind was so strong after the hill and to the finish. Tim had told me I had 20 seconds at one point, then 15 I was trying to calculate if I lost 5 seconds per quarter of the course if I would be able to hold off the field. The referee on the moto gave me some encouragement on the last lap, he said "okay now's when you lay it
down" I kept it going and finished the race solo and in first! I knew that I would have to finish the race solo to win it, since my sprint (or what little I could call a sprint) had disappeared with
last weekend's ride! And I was psyched to hear Tracy soon after telling me we got 1-2-3! Way to go Proman!! Fun race and fun course, and Bob Liebold gave back some money at this one! Thanks for reading -Rachel