Sunday, June 16, 2013

2013 CCCX #7 - P123

Race: CCCX #7 - Fort Ord Circuit Race
Field: P123 w/ ~15 starters.
Teammates: None, but they killed it in the E2/3 race taking 2nd, 3rd, 4th & 6th!!! Can't wait to read that report!
Result: 2nd Place
Strava File

After missing a few races due to stress, traffic, burnout & hectic schedule I was excited to try to get back at my favorite Low Key event in the NCNCA....but then I somehow remembered I forgot my shoes after getting on the 280!!! So my long warmup and stress free Sunday was no more, but there were plenty of teammates around when I arrived to help me get my life back together and get ready to race (despite no warm up)!!!

Lap 1: Everyone (even Eamon) said they wanted to take it easy for the first half the race but Eamon off his European campaign had other plans. Metro-Mint had several riders, BearDev had 2 and we were off, but after only 3min we were already hitting the first climb pretty good to test how everyone is feeling.

Lap 2: BearDev sprinter Matt sneaks away clearly setting up his teammate Sam to get a free ride. On the tailwind climb Lucas brings it back and hits it as we pass Matt. I keep it going on the false flat to drop the biggest threat in a sprint out of the race. On the backside rollers Sam puts in a good attack while I am at the back, I wait, but then see Eamon putting the hammer down over the top of Sam. I had no choice but to go the long way around into the wind, but this at least kept anyone from getting onto my wheel. When Eamon checks the damage, I hit the front and add some more. Sam fades on the false flat and the group behind is splitting up.

Lap 3-7: So with 75min left to race we are more than happy to share the workload. It actually works out great, I have a great draft & motor do less work on the flats and I hit most of the climbs keeping the pace up. After about 30min into our effort we ease up a bit and ride tempo since the chasers were not in sight, some riders had pulled out and were now watching and we lapped a handful of riders who had thrown in the towel.

Final Lap: David Mesa (Chica Sexy) was one persistent MFer. He takes advantage of our confidence and catches us as we come into the bell lap. Props Dave! Now the games started. On the steep section of the tailwind climb I hit it as hard as I can. This pops Dave, but Eamon sits on. I end up playing the odds game vs going purely for the win. Having Dave in the finale would have bettered my chances for the Win, but could cost me 2nd. Eamon's Dad was watching and he wanted revenge from CCCX #3 when I got him in the sprint. So Eamon makes me take us ALL the way through the rollers and decent. Cat and mouse ensues before the final turn, we are basically track standing. In the match sprint I have the inside line, but Eamon has the better jump and gets the Win for his dad. After a weird month or so of riding/racing I am happy with 2nd, but if there is a re-match before the end of the season I will be aiming for the Win.




Podium Shot

Data Geek Info:

Time: 90min Dist: 8laps = 34.4mi Norm Power 267w ( w/ 233w ave)
Almost identical to CCCX #3 when I was in the lead group w/ Eamon, Bryan Duke, and Chris Cain except this time I was the bridesmaid.
CCCX #3 Time: 88min Dist: 34.4mi Norm Power: 265w (w/ 229w ave)