SNELLING ROAD RACE - Megan

I am still trying to wrap my mind around the fact that when you show up to “local races” in California, you are racing alongside some of the top women cyclists in the US and World. Snelling RR proved to be no different. Right from the gun I realized that it was going to be essential to keep myself protected from the wind, once the pace started to pick up with Giana and High Road setting a fast tempo, the entire field strung out single file while everyone jostled for a wheel making futile attempts to stay out of the wind. After the quick tempo was set on the first lap, attacks began on the second lap. I saw Giana counter an attack on a rolling section right before the course took a turn back into the wind. A gap was quickly established by the attackers, and Giana was up the road with about 5 other women: 2 of the women were High Road. I knew that we need more PROMAN representation in the break, so I reacted and bridged up to the break. Once I was on, Giana dropped off because she knew if she was in a break High Road wouldn't let it go, but she said it was a good "gamble" to leave me in the break with Kim Anderson (High Road) and Emilia Fahlin (High Road), Rushlee Buchannan (Tibco) and Olivia Dillon. So it was 5 of us for the rest of the race....kind of.



At the end of the 4th lap, my derailleur went into my spokes. Kim Anderson got behind me and started pushing me thinking it was a simple chain drop but unfortunately I had to get off my bike to get it out. With a big effort, I chased back onto the break. Shortly after I got back on, we went through the finish and then High Road and Tibco attacked. I should have been ready for the attack, but I reacted too late, and the three women had a gap that they held until the finish. Dillon also missed the attack but was a bit ahead of me. The lead break held us off, and Dillon and I did separate “individual time trials” for the entire last lap.
The last lap was very nerve-racking as the pace “car” (motorcycle) came up alongside me with about 6 miles to go and said there was a chase group coming in hard. He graciously added “I wouldn’t be surprised if they catch you.” Hahaha. Thanks.



With many fields racing at the same time, I couldn’t tell if the cyclists behind me were the chase group or men from other fields. I barely held the chase group off (consisting of 4 High Road women, Giana, and a Jane Despas). I crossed the finish line, and threw my chain into the easiest gearing which also threw my derailleur into the spokes, breaking it off (very sad). I am glad I waited to do this at the end of the race. I have decided from now on I am going to only use my 53-12, then I never have to worry about the derailleur and spokes having an encounter.

Thanks for reading - Megan