Anton D'Auria (![[info]](http://p-stat.livejournal.com/img/userinfo.gif){kind=small} antoshakartosha) wrote,@ 2007-08-07 23:57:00 |
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First Cat 5 race - 10th place!
I participated in my first official cycling race today as a Category 5 USCF rider! I felt great in the last half of the ride. My heart rate was between 170-180. No fatigue in my legs. I was just sticking to the wheels of graceful and aggressive riders and relaxing in their draft. In the last half of the 35th and last lap, I saw a large man attack. I chased after him, but he slid back into the peloton with no room for me. What do I do? I had no idea--this was my first race, and my first approach to the finish line! I tried to cut in, but he threw a tantrum in the second to last turn. I panicked and let about ten riders pass me in the most crucial moment. At the last turn, I knew I had plenty of energy left and blew past the peloton that so nicely protected me, and in a mad sprint, screaming, I crossed the finish line in 10th place! Maybe all those years of climbing on my fixie endowed me with sprinting prowess... or maybe it was just luck. We'll have to see. There are at least another five criteriums left this season.
I participated in my first official cycling race today as a Category 5 USCF rider! I felt great in the last half of the ride. My heart rate was between 170-180. No fatigue in my legs. I was just sticking to the wheels of graceful and aggressive riders and relaxing in their draft. In the last half of the 35th and last lap, I saw a large man attack. I chased after him, but he slid back into the peloton with no room for me. What do I do? I had no idea--this was my first race, and my first approach to the finish line! I tried to cut in, but he threw a tantrum in the second to last turn. I panicked and let about ten riders pass me in the most crucial moment. At the last turn, I knew I had plenty of energy left and blew past the peloton that so nicely protected me, and in a mad sprint, screaming, I crossed the finish line in 10th place! Maybe all those years of climbing on my fixie endowed me with sprinting prowess... or maybe it was just luck. We'll have to see. There are at least another five criteriums left this season.
