Nationals Race Report

Sorry for the delay in posting this race report. It has been a bit hectic since returning to Ottawa from Kamloops. So the race.

I really enjoyed the nationals course. It offered a little bit of everything. Sand, tight turns, running, gravel paths, and grass. Considering this was the first time the organizers had hosted a cyclo-cross race, I think they did an excellent job.

I raced in the Masters 30+ Women's race. We had a small field this year - only eight riders. This is too bad but not really surprising. Off the start I was sitting in fourth. I felt okay about my position and was comfortable. The first time through the sandy run, there was a crash. This caused a bit of chaos and allowed the leader to get a gap. I ended up falling back to fifth place. I just kept on working because you never know what is happening up the road. I passed the fourth place rider and then the third placed rider had to pit her bike. Once on her new bike, she caught up to me. I suggested we work together but the rider responded by attacking me...

So I did the same. I continued to keep hitting it hard. Each time I slowed for a corner or after a run I hit the pedals hard to try to open the gap. It worked. I was gaining on second and first place but ran out of race time. Finishing in third place, 44 seconds off of first place.

All things considered I'm content with the race. Everyone wants to win but only one person can. My performance was good for the day. This is all I can really ask for. It was cool to stand on the podium at Cyclo-Cross Nationals.

Thanks to my team mates for their support, encouragement, and technical advice. Particularly Marc without whom I probably wouldn't be racing my bike. Also Steve for his patient teaching methods (thanks to Steve I can now hop a curb).