I mean - I made mistakes. I only had 50 minutes between the 2/3s which was hard and the 3/4s. I also probably was a little cocky and figured it would be as easy as always. I should have been more targeted and clinical with my attacks. The thing was, I know how easy it is to stay away on that course so I wasn't willing to sit and waste time while first place walked away. I think I could have had a better shot at 2nd if I had been patient, sat and waited for the peloton to grow the balls to attack and then attack over them when people were tired. However, I don't want second. In some races, sure. Especially if I feel the person in first is 'deserving' aka stronger than me. But I don't like settling for second when I am the strongest rider there.

I understand this is bike racing. I like that fact about bike racing when I'm not the strongest person and I'm racing P12s and I can beat people who I rode smarter than, but TBH i'd still prefer if it was like running or a hill climb where the strongest person almost always wins.