There is only one word that comes to mind when reflecting on the race itself, EPIC! This race lived up to its self proclaimed American Queen of the Classics title. This race had everything, steep hills, dirt, cold temps and rainy weather. Going into this race our team leaders were Tito and Howes. The rest of us were just to cover moves and get into any move that went up the road. I think there was one section before the longest climb of the race where it felt like Caleb and myself were constantly jumping on to the back of wheels. I was pleased with how my form was for this race, I made it over every major climb and dirt section with the front group except for one exception...
After the rain really started coming down before the first Long dirt section it was apparent that mud was coming. Half way through the long dirt road i couldnt see out of my glasses and knew that i was with other riders and just assumed i had kept my position up front. As soon as we hit pavement I wiped off my glasses to realize that we had been dropped. That was scary. Myself and one fly V rider worked to get back up there. Luckily we were able to do it before the last dirt climb. Once the second lap started the temp really dropped dramatically. There was a break off and everyone was fairly complacent to let it roll but that meant relaxing and cooling down. Soon no one could feel their fingers and that made eating and using the brakes a bit dodgy to say the least. Soon Toast came up to me and i had to try and get food out of his back pocket when I couldnt even get it out of my own back pocket. Luckily we started going hard again shortly once the break was caught.
I cant even explain how strong Calebito was! He was in the big break then went off the front with Floyd. It was truly impressive. Unfortunately with not being able to get food out of my pockets I was a little bonked coming into the last climb at 10km to go so I just rode in on my own. Getting to the finish and hearing Caleb had won made all the work for the team with the suffering and shivering worth it. Felt good to have the team work so well and pull it out.
Hopefully we are able to get a little momentum rolling and pick up a lot more W's this season. Up next for us is Gila, Joe Martin, Olympias Tour, Paris-Roubaix U23, Philly, Beauce and Nationals. I think a lot of the courses at these races could suit the team well. Fingers Crossed.
Also, this website www.elcyclista.com has some cool shots from this last weekend. The website is pretty cool, check it out.
(Photo cred: Conor Brady) www.elcyclista.com
