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05-19-07, 03:13 PM
Entered Cat4/5. Was somewhat nerveous because right now I am CAT5, and I was off the bike for two and a half weeks. Got there somewhat late so had about 15 minutes to warm up. The race started at a leisurely pace of 24mph. After few laps someone attacked and the fun began. Next 20 minutes we spent racing at 27-29. Learning from my last races I tried to stay near the front. I more or less succeeded. Overall I felt pretty strong, and wasn't dying like I usually do during the crits.
This time around I did better on the turns, for the most part keeping my wheel and even gaining places. Once the pace slacked off it was also possible to gain places on a stretch before the turn in to finish stretch. I still have a lot to learn, and made mistakes. I know I need to be more aggressive. By which I mean more actively moving forward. I always have this fear of "what if I get dropped" so I end up in the middle of the pack. Although I am getting better. Also I need to work on the cornering. I lost a wheel few times because I slowed down. Just need to figure out why, too much breaking, not enough acceleration out. Although I am getting better.
Anyway with one lap to go I was still feeling good and felt like I can hang on once the real fun began and everyone dials it passed 400W. Maybe even place. Then someone crashed infront of me in a straightaway... I saw bikes flying everywhere. I hit the brakes, and thought I would make it. Then someone plowed in to me from behind. I went flying over the handlebars. :mad: My left wrist is sprained pretty badly. Can hardly bend it or even type... My rear Ritchey wheel is craked, and front one needs truing. Powermeter seems to be ok. Displays data just hope it's still accurate. Don't think I will be doing RR tomorrow. Wrist just not up to it.
So I think I am strong enough to be in 4s (at least in flat crits), just need to work on technique and tactics.
This time around I did better on the turns, for the most part keeping my wheel and even gaining places. Once the pace slacked off it was also possible to gain places on a stretch before the turn in to finish stretch. I still have a lot to learn, and made mistakes. I know I need to be more aggressive. By which I mean more actively moving forward. I always have this fear of "what if I get dropped" so I end up in the middle of the pack. Although I am getting better. Also I need to work on the cornering. I lost a wheel few times because I slowed down. Just need to figure out why, too much breaking, not enough acceleration out. Although I am getting better.
Anyway with one lap to go I was still feeling good and felt like I can hang on once the real fun began and everyone dials it passed 400W. Maybe even place. Then someone crashed infront of me in a straightaway... I saw bikes flying everywhere. I hit the brakes, and thought I would make it. Then someone plowed in to me from behind. I went flying over the handlebars. :mad: My left wrist is sprained pretty badly. Can hardly bend it or even type... My rear Ritchey wheel is craked, and front one needs truing. Powermeter seems to be ok. Displays data just hope it's still accurate. Don't think I will be doing RR tomorrow. Wrist just not up to it.
So I think I am strong enough to be in 4s (at least in flat crits), just need to work on technique and tactics.