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06-24-07, 05:59 PM
Well, I had an interesting weekend in Philippi!
It seems WV does not have enough races, so there are lots of guys forced to sandbag in 4 and 5, as we shall see.
The time trial was my first ever individual time trial (done team before). I went as hard as I could on a really hilly course and came last. I covered 15 miles in 45 minutes flat, only 11s off the next guy (all of which I could attribute to cars on the finish line). I didn't expect to do well, but I was a bit surprised to be dead last. Was pleased with my time anyway! The winner of 4/5 would have come second in 1/2/3...
The crit was next. I got there a bit later than I would have liked, and lined up. The course was pretty good, with a flat/downhill side and an uphill side that was bumpy. I hate crits, so I was hoping to only get lapped once, but unfortunately, I got lapped twice, despite hitting 28mph on the flat and 20mph on the uphill! That was a real difference between collegiate C and USCF...
The road race was this morning, and used the first incline off the time trial. Some guys set off at lunatic speed and splintered the group into teeny weeny pieces within the first 3 miles. They were even riding in single file! Anyway, I got in with a small group for a while, before dropping back and riding in with another guy. We had a good time, and held off the other still behind us on a really cool course. Managed to win the sprint by attacking in the covered bridge. He had shades on, so couldn't see me. Pleased to come 34th or so out of 40. My goal was not to finish last in all three events. I probably deserve a red jersey though!
I've learnt that you should shave before racing. My beard doubtless cost me glory!
(I also learnt that I love Brooks saddles!)
It seems WV does not have enough races, so there are lots of guys forced to sandbag in 4 and 5, as we shall see.
The time trial was my first ever individual time trial (done team before). I went as hard as I could on a really hilly course and came last. I covered 15 miles in 45 minutes flat, only 11s off the next guy (all of which I could attribute to cars on the finish line). I didn't expect to do well, but I was a bit surprised to be dead last. Was pleased with my time anyway! The winner of 4/5 would have come second in 1/2/3...
The crit was next. I got there a bit later than I would have liked, and lined up. The course was pretty good, with a flat/downhill side and an uphill side that was bumpy. I hate crits, so I was hoping to only get lapped once, but unfortunately, I got lapped twice, despite hitting 28mph on the flat and 20mph on the uphill! That was a real difference between collegiate C and USCF...
The road race was this morning, and used the first incline off the time trial. Some guys set off at lunatic speed and splintered the group into teeny weeny pieces within the first 3 miles. They were even riding in single file! Anyway, I got in with a small group for a while, before dropping back and riding in with another guy. We had a good time, and held off the other still behind us on a really cool course. Managed to win the sprint by attacking in the covered bridge. He had shades on, so couldn't see me. Pleased to come 34th or so out of 40. My goal was not to finish last in all three events. I probably deserve a red jersey though!
I've learnt that you should shave before racing. My beard doubtless cost me glory!
(I also learnt that I love Brooks saddles!)