Christian Meier, Andreas Hestler, Andrew Pinfold, Svein Tuft, Zach Bell, and Will Routley can all be found in the Escape Velocity record books. All of them have gone on to race against some of the world's best cyclists all over the world.
It's a little strange to think a guy like me is racing on the same courses that they have. I guess that is the beauty of cycling.
In 2011, which was my first year, the River Road course was my first ever competitive cycling event. It was a bit intimidating to say the least, even though I was just racing in the novice category. I managed to stay with the group for the first few laps, before I went a little too hard on the back portion of the course and was unable to maintain the pace. I finished alone, a few minutes behind the main group. Not a very promising start to my cycling "career."
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This year I'm hoping it will be a different story. I've put in a lot more time on the bike, nearly 30 hours more in 2012 alone. That isn't even counting the hours I did in December as part of the Rapha Festive 500. I'm also approaching the race in a better position mentally. I know more of what to expect in the race. Hopefully I will take smarter pulls at the front and manage my energy output a little better. My main goal is to finish with the group and maybe take a shot for the win if I'm still in contention at the end.
My kids will be out cheering me on with their cowbells, so I better not disappoint them.
Go man go!!I expect full reports from the road...er, maybe after the road race.
ReplyDeleteNot during.
I will not be racing the SS this year due to a detailed running program, and for the fact that RR can be sketchy. I like to keep my road rash to a minimum.
Stay near the front, wait, wait, wait before you throw it all out there, and keep upright!
Good luck AP!
Good luck this weekend...hope it goes well. What category are you racing this year?
ReplyDeleteI remember last years novice race, I did the race also!! Super fun course, nice, flat & fast! Managed to place second in that race behind the animal - Mark Sherman. Mark now races Cat 3 I think; he's a freaky fast guy.
Anyhow - good luck this weekend.
Awesome, it's a great circuit.
ReplyDelete"Hopefully I will take smarter pulls at the front and manage my energy output a little better." - If by smarter pulls, you mean no pulls, that's excellent! Unless you're working for someone, you have no obligation to take turns. Racing is not a group ride. :) Especially if you're out there without allies, if you hit the front, you want to be off of it, making everyone else chase.
Stepping off the soapbox now.
Thanks for the comments guys.
ReplyDeleteI'm staying in the novice category again this year. I think don't thing I'm ready for prime time :D
I'll remember not to take any pulls. I didn't really think about it that way.