CHERRY PIE - PODIUM

The season opener, Cherry Pie crit.
My job... get the team a pie!

This was my first race with Proman, my new awesome team for 2008. I was given the amazing gift of being the protected rider this race - a role that came with my first taste of what it feels like to want to perform really well for your team. In the past, I've usually raced solo - and I'm the only one I can disappoint. This would be a whole different story - I had 7 super strong teammates, all of whom could have gone for the win, but they would be sacrificing that opportunity for me. I couldn't let them down.

The race began quick from the gun - downhill into a sweeping right turn. On the first hill attacks were launched. Kate, Abby, Emily, Kelly, Megan and Kristin were at the front initiating attacks, closing down breaks, and in general making their presence known. Meanwhile, I was hovering about 15 to 20 riders back - a new place for a girl more comfortable trolling the front of a crit. Kristina was with me, making sure I wasn't working too hard, pulling me up a few riders when necessary, and in general, keeping me safe.

Fairly early in the race Kristin launched a huge attack and got a good gap on the field. She stayed off the front for a while and I knew that if anyone could stay away, she could. Unfortunately, the pack chased her down and swallowed her up again. Then it was Megan launching an attack for a prime and getting a good sized gap on the field. Again, she stayed away for a few laps - taking more primes on her little adventure.

With only a few laps to go, Megan got swallowed back up by the field, and it was time to organize for the field sprint. I could see the ladies in front were getting antsy - at one point I thought a break of 3 would get a gap on the field, but going into the hill the second to last lap, they were brought back. Megan, Abby and Kristin took over at the front keeping the pace high for the final lap. With 2 turns to go I found Kristin's wheel and stuck to it like glue. She took a sweet line on the inside of the final turn and pulled me up neck and neck with a string of women who I knew would be the contenders in the race... just as Kristin started to pull off, the winning sprint was launched by Tibco's Brooke Miller and quickly followed by Felicia Gomez of Aarons. It seemed super early to me, but I went with them knowing it was now or never. I thought maybe I'd be able to come around Felicia on the long uphill, but it wasn't to be. Both she and Brooke stayed together finishing one-two, and I finished 3rd - securing the coveted cherry pie. Megan - who fought her own way to the front of the field finished 4th and captured the Most Aggressive Racer title for the day. Awesome awesome team work.

I'm so proud to be a part of this team and can't wait for the year to come!
Virginia