I loaded everything into my truck and got to Brittney's house around 5:40 AM. Nate came a little later and we loaded the car up. The breakfast bar at Shoney's wasn't set up all the way when we got there, but we eventually got to eat that morning. We drove through heavy rain and loads of lightning almost all the way to Fayetteville, but I was happy to have it clear up before the race.
I can't really say much about this race. Every single thing went perfectly. I rode the best I have ever ridden, and I did so while ridding smart. I placed myself through the field almost perfectly, and there isn't anything major I can think of that I would have changed.
I did; however, finish 5th. When the finish line came into view, one rider jumped early for his sprint. I sped up to ride his wheel for a few seconds before pushing off to pass him. I had 1st in the palm of my hand, but I lost it at the last 30 yards due to a mechanical problem with my rear derailer. While the bike had ridden well the entire race, it had decided to release enough tension in the cable just as I went to sprint to the finish to cause chain to bounce around the cassette. I went from 1st to 5th in the four to five seconds it took me to reach the finish line.
I was really upset and threw my bike down whilst cussing at it. Then, deciding this wasn't enough, I continued to throw my helmet and glasses as well. The bike is perfectly fine minus the now slightly rusted chain from riding in the rain all day. The cheap, found-on-the-side-of-the-road-three-years-ago women's sunglasses were also fine. I did manage to crack the nice helmet my cousin gave me. I'm pretty bummed out about that, but at least I have a spare one to use until I replace the broken one.
The CAT 5 men were awarded trophies through 5th place. Here is a picture of mine:
View the full race results here:
https://www.usacycling.org/results/index.php?permit=2008-62
1 comment:
ohhh shiny! hehe don't worry about that helmet now you have an excuse to get a euro white one haha
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