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
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