Where: Baltimore, MD
15 miles Cat 3/4 race
The course was really simple. One big loop with a short incline to the finish and one technical turn. That one technical turn ended up being a major mess for our race, since many of the riders had trouble navigating the turn which came up on us from a banking right hand sweep and then became a left hand turn. If you got the right line, it was a GORGEOUS turn...but, if you got pushed too far in or out, it was a mess. Lots of riders did off-roading at the race because of that turn!
It was a fast race, with a few key riders pushing the pace at the front. Still, there were moments of rest stuck in the middle. I spent so much time trying to get a good position and then losing it that my legs ended up feeling like jelly by the last lap. I managed to stick it out and eek out a very weak push to the finish to end up 8th in the Cat 3. Not exactly where I wanted to be, but I'll take it! It was, however, and excellent day for Sturdy Girl...with Sally coming in 5th in Cat 3, Jody 8th in the Cat 4 and Candace bringing home the coveted Lantern Rouge.
Sally, Candace and I stuck around to watch the pro Women race. It was a great race and Shontell ended up taking the win! Way to go Shontell and Colavita (I bought some of your pasta sauce today to celebrate your win!).
The men's race was AWESOME! Holy Moly! It was fantastic to see a break get away on that course and stay out. The four men fighting for the finish were incredible, and it was exciting to see a Kelly Benefits rider take the prize! Way to go!
Note the look on Dominique Rollin's face (Toyota United rider on the right) - that is about as expressive as he got during the race. It was AMAZING to watch him. Just so completely composed...most of the time it looked like he was just out on a Sunday cruise - even when he was chasing down the breaks. Fantastic.
My bike race filled weekend ended with me getting to watch a stage of the Giro. Fantastic....loving it.
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