VALLEY OF THE SUN STAGE RACE - WIN & PODIUM!

Valley of the not so Sunny
February 15 – 17, Phoenix, Arizona

Sunday’s weather was finally a day to write home about. Beautiful sunny skies greeted us as we pulled into downtown Phoenix for the final stage of the Valley of the Not so Sunny.

Quickly signing in, I hopped on my bike, pedaling through the neighborhoods, watching the city come to life. Actually I think many of the people I saw were just heading home, but no matter, any place has an aura of cleanliness and a desire to start anew at 7:30 am.

As I warmed up, my legs, back and upper body bitterly complained about the strain of yesterday’s 50 KM time trial. "Oh", I thought to myself, "this criterium will not be pretty". The course was a straight forward six corner 1.6 km loop with good pavement and wide streets.

Well, when you feel like garbage and you know that you don’t have anything in your legs, the best thing in my mind is to get to the front and ride just a little bit harder than everyone’s comfort level to keep attacks at a minimum. As we lined up that was my plan.

The officials began the women’s category 4 riders 2 minutes ahead of us. That really was all I needed. I simply cannot stand having a group ahead. But, having been begged by my racing companions not to attack from the gun, I mollified my need to catch the group ahead by setting a steady pace, taking clean lines and staying on the gear in order for my group to hang with me. I had a 13 minute gap on second so it was not my desire to ride away from the group.

After about 5 laps and 3 primes we came bearing down on the women’s group ahead. I let the three women left with me know I would be passing the group in the start finish area. That way the officials would get our numbers and it was a good wide area to pass. Coming out of the final corner into the stretch I stood on the gear, cleared the field and set myself up for the first corner. Looking back I saw I was alone.

With five laps to go on the one mile course I decided I might as well keep riding. Putting my head down I concentrated on keeping my breathing steady and ignoring my screaming legs. Finally the bell, and a lap later I was crossing the line, happy to have won the first race of the season.


After a 10 hour scamper home, we are unpacking and prepping the bikes for a trip into Santa Rosa where I will direct the Proman Women’s Team in the inaugural women’s Tour of California criterium. Rob will lead a big group on our welcome to Italy Race Camp Training Tour and I know both of us are very excited to see the men blast into Santa Rosa for the first stage of the Tour of California.

Thank you all for your support and cheering – it makes a huge difference and is much appreciated.

Looking for official results? Check out: http://www.wmrc.org/vos/2008/index.htm

GIANA