TROFEO ALFREDO BINDA - Comune di Cittiglio - CDM

There were 2 loops. The first had a 5-6km climb, which we did twice. Then after that we did 3 smaller loops with a 4km climb (I was supposed to do that one 3 times).
At points the road would narrow down to 2-3 abreast on cobbles - to say the least, if you weren't in good position you came to a complete stop. I came to a complete stop several times.

Into the first climb the road narrowed down through a corner. There was a small 'crash' and some women stepped through Chrissy's wheel, braking her spoke.
Coming into the first climb I had decent position, but I put in a huge effort to try to get to the front, but I ended up blowing myself up. I was dropped on the first climb, but I was the 2nd chase group, and I worked with 3 members of another team (until they attacked me and I thought "Why the heck am I working? Let them do the work") to get to the 1st chase group. Once I was in the 1st chase group I lead down a fairly technical descent because I didn't want to get stuck behind everyone else. Then I sat in because Jim told me to let them bring me back to the group. I did so.
As I passed the team car Jim told me to go "straight to the front" - I tried but I was unsuccessful.

I was forewarned by the ladies that there is a lot of braking with HUGE accelerations after. So it was good that I was warned about it and not sketched out about it. The women are good bike handlers so it was fine.
Ok. So on the second climb I held on longer. Then I was in the group behind the main peloton.

Once I got into the grove in this group, I took a look around at who I was with: Ina Teutenberg, Rochelle Gilmore, Tina Pic.
We did 1.5 laps of the smaller loop (with the 4k climb, and I held in there, was at the front, and it was "steady"). We were pulled with 1.5 laps left.
Bummer.

I think we were 2-3 minutes back at that point, and I guess with World Cups they are pretty strict about pulling people. I think we were the last people to get pulled.
So my goal of finishing didn't happen, and I wasn't able to help the team with feeds.
I am excited for the next races. I hope to be more active and more of an asset to the team. The women are strong over here.

Megan

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