Talent Pool Qualifier: ADT Center Los Angeles, CA

Talent Pool Qualifier: ADT Center Los Angeles, CA

Mass Start Test

Yesterday I completed my first legitimate attempt at making the time standard for the Mass Start Test in order to qualify to be a member of the 2008 National Track Talent Pool. I was extremely fortunate to be accompanied by Niki Cranmer and Rob Evans, who have supported me so often in the pursuit of my dreams. It's people like them that inspire me everyday.

We hit the road early in the morning and drove the 5.5 hour ride down to L.A. We arrived around 2:00 p.m., which was too early to ride the track, so we headed out to a cafe to kill some time. Around 4:30 we were able to get on the track and so Ben Jaques-Maynes, Rob, and I all jumped on and began warming up. I did a few flying 500m to get a feel for the track and the pace. It felt great to be back on that track. It's very intimidating at first, because it is so steep, but being back on it was so refreshing and fun. I am looking forward to Nationals already. After about an hour or so of practice, the testing began. My event was the 3rd of the night and it came fast, leaving me little time to be nervous. I was very nervous right before the test though. Luckily, the rider attempting the test right before me was Christen King. She's raced World Cup events before and done pretty well, so I knew she'd be one to observe. I watched her do her 3 warm up laps and then complete the test with what looked like such ease. She passed the test with time to spare. I was very impressed with her poise and quiet strength on the track. Her warm-up behind the motor was also something I took notes on and will use prior to my next attempt for sure.

Immediately after she finished, the official pushed me onto the track to start my 3 lap wind-up. In retrospect, I definitely need to be going faster on the rail before I dive down to the start line. I wasn't going fast enough to ensure that I make the standard for the 1st two laps and I also held back a bit in fear of going too hard and fading too much to make the overall time standard. When I tried this test a few weeks ago at the OTC, my effort was extremely painful and I was loosing a second on every lap. I was disappointed with that result and I was worried that it would happen again. However, at the OTC, I did make the first time standard for the first 2 laps but did not make the overall. This time, my splits were all very consistent and I was keeping the last 1500m of splits within a very small range. This was an improvement. So, I finished the test in 2:36:6. The time I needed to make was 2:30:85. I am confident that I can make the time standard with a lot of hard work and dedication. It is a much more attainable goal now that I know exactly what I need to work on and how to perform the test on that track.

I am extremely motivated now to succeed in making the time standard. It was a great experience. Special thanks to Des Dickie for all of the information and support at the track yesterday. Also, Niki and Rob are amazing and I couldn't have done it without them.
- Shelley