We returned to
Simpsonville, SC for our final race of the season: the
Brookwood Church
Criterium, part of the
Greenville Cycling Extravaganza weekend. The course consisted of a 1k loop with a technical left turn-right turn section just before the uphill finish. Both of our events were 30 minutes plus two laps.
I set out with the Category 5 35+ field for the earlier of our two events in picture-perfect weather.
Beginning my uphill sprint coming out of the technical turn section. I actually led the field during the first lap, but paid for my insolence by striking my pedal on the pavement and almost taking out the field. Fortunately we all kept the rubber side down and no blood was shed.
Despite my improving fitness, the result was the same: off the back after a few laps. I did catch another casualty of the high pace of the field and we worked together for the remainder of the race, holding the field off from lapping us until the last lap. I have much work to do this winter.
The Women's Cat 4 race was... sparsely attended. Comprising 50% of the entire field, Amy set out from the start line with only one other competitor.
Sprinting out of the technical section, Amy was in her element on the long, sweeping uphill section toward the start-finish area.
The two-up race provided a strange experience for both spectators and the two participants. The two chatted early on and even traded prime laps with each other (free socks! 3 pair!) As the race progressed, the paced quickened as the two sized each other up and plotted strategy. Amy took a conservative approach, choosing to work together until the final stretch, when she attacked on the final climb and took the long sprint for the win, pictured above.
Amy's first
crit victory capped off a great season. Time to rest up before starting training for 2010.
I set out with the Category 5 35+ field for the earlier of our two events in picture-perfect weather.
Beginning my uphill sprint coming out of the technical turn section. I actually led the field during the first lap, but paid for my insolence by striking my pedal on the pavement and almost taking out the field. Fortunately we all kept the rubber side down and no blood was shed.
Despite my improving fitness, the result was the same: off the back after a few laps. I did catch another casualty of the high pace of the field and we worked together for the remainder of the race, holding the field off from lapping us until the last lap. I have much work to do this winter.
The Women's Cat 4 race was... sparsely attended. Comprising 50% of the entire field, Amy set out from the start line with only one other competitor. 
Sprinting out of the technical section, Amy was in her element on the long, sweeping uphill section toward the start-finish area.
The two-up race provided a strange experience for both spectators and the two participants. The two chatted early on and even traded prime laps with each other (free socks! 3 pair!) As the race progressed, the paced quickened as the two sized each other up and plotted strategy. Amy took a conservative approach, choosing to work together until the final stretch, when she attacked on the final climb and took the long sprint for the win, pictured above.
Amy's first crit victory capped off a great season. Time to rest up before starting training for 2010.
No comments:
Post a Comment