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06-10-07, 01:36 PM
Industrial Park Crit, D-shaped course of 2-ish miles, 2 turns, minor hill prior to the finish. Annual race in our district so the course is well known. Windy as all get out and hot.
I've missed alot of bike time lately so I did some testing with my coach this past week. We determined that I've got December fitness right now, so these races and the next few are largely about getting quality hard training in and if it works out for a result, take it.
Two races for me today, 1st was at high noon, Masters 30+/40+. Lots of 1s & 2s in the race, only 3 from my team so plan was to sit in, follow moves by other more represented teams, hide from the wind, get on a good wheel at the end, and see what kind of sprint my legs had in them. I did none of this. I was involved in multiple futile attacks, bridging attempts, and covering moves by the guys I know to be players. In the last few laps, several splits were up the road, including a solo OTF by a former pro who is a bad azz crit racer. Last lap, only former pro is up the road, I'm sittin' on the perfect wheel and on the rivet but thinking if I can survive the little hill prior to the finish, I've got a chance at something good. We swallow Mr. former pro in the last few hundred M, then as we start up the little hill, which is where in years past I've actually made up lots of ground in this race, I just didnt have the jump to stay with the guys who were sprinting for the win. Came across in about 15th.
Cat 3 race was at 1:45. Same plan, sit in, find a good wheel. I have no patience for sitting in, I attacked on lap 2. Nothing doing. Back to the pack. I stayed active, maintained good position, and hid when I needed to. Last lap, same deal as the Masters race, was in great position, but I just didnt have the juice when I needed it. Sprinted for about 10th.
Although results were not there, this day was great for my confidence. With minimal training in May, and knowing my fitness is poo poo right now, I was still able to mix it up with many of the best racers in our district in the Masters race, and with my peer group in the Cat 3 race. Hopefully, I can get some consistent and quality bike time over June/July and be peaking for the tour de toona and district senior road race championships:) Wow are my legs jellowy and sore today!
I've missed alot of bike time lately so I did some testing with my coach this past week. We determined that I've got December fitness right now, so these races and the next few are largely about getting quality hard training in and if it works out for a result, take it.
Two races for me today, 1st was at high noon, Masters 30+/40+. Lots of 1s & 2s in the race, only 3 from my team so plan was to sit in, follow moves by other more represented teams, hide from the wind, get on a good wheel at the end, and see what kind of sprint my legs had in them. I did none of this. I was involved in multiple futile attacks, bridging attempts, and covering moves by the guys I know to be players. In the last few laps, several splits were up the road, including a solo OTF by a former pro who is a bad azz crit racer. Last lap, only former pro is up the road, I'm sittin' on the perfect wheel and on the rivet but thinking if I can survive the little hill prior to the finish, I've got a chance at something good. We swallow Mr. former pro in the last few hundred M, then as we start up the little hill, which is where in years past I've actually made up lots of ground in this race, I just didnt have the jump to stay with the guys who were sprinting for the win. Came across in about 15th.
Cat 3 race was at 1:45. Same plan, sit in, find a good wheel. I have no patience for sitting in, I attacked on lap 2. Nothing doing. Back to the pack. I stayed active, maintained good position, and hid when I needed to. Last lap, same deal as the Masters race, was in great position, but I just didnt have the juice when I needed it. Sprinted for about 10th.
Although results were not there, this day was great for my confidence. With minimal training in May, and knowing my fitness is poo poo right now, I was still able to mix it up with many of the best racers in our district in the Masters race, and with my peer group in the Cat 3 race. Hopefully, I can get some consistent and quality bike time over June/July and be peaking for the tour de toona and district senior road race championships:) Wow are my legs jellowy and sore today!