So Casey and I, being the lowest in the GC standings for the team, were given the job of causing some havoc in the first two of three and a half laps (57 miles) in today’s road race. I’d say we did a pretty good job. On the first stretch of crosswind section, we took over the front as a team and guttered the rest of the pack on the yellow line. From there, Casey and I traded attacks. There was one climb on an otherwise flat course, and, though I made it up fine the first time. The next time through the crosswind section, I attacked three times, finally getting away the third time. Casey bridged to me and we traded pulls trying to make it work.

Soon after, we hit the climb. I tried in vain to pull her part way up the climb for a KOM bonus, but I blew up early and went backwards through the pack, and was forced to chase. I made it back on, and managed to work with my teammates once I got there, but each time we hit the climb, I cracked about 1/4 of the way up. Unfortunately, the way the course was set up, the finish line was just close enough to the climb that I was totally useless to my team as a leadout. I’ve got a lot of training to do if I am going to help us get podium spots.

Shannon ended up in 7th, and we all moved up in the GC at least one spot since the woman who was in the leader jersey climbed about as well as I did. All I know is that I am totally exhausted now and hoping that I can do better in tomorrow’s criterium.

Here are a few random photos from before the race started: