Grammo News: I Made It

The Amateur cross country course was around 20 miles, with a 7 mile climb right off the start and a long, loose descent all the way back down to the venue. It was an all-arounder’s course, and I liked it...My Toa was the perfect bike on this course. That being said, it didn’t calm my nerves one bit. I was a complete nervous wreck on the morning of my race. I only knew 2 of the other riders in my group, and that scared me. I had to put all that out of my head; all the worst-case-scenarios and doubts. I remained calm on the line and came around the first turn with the holeshot.

I switched back and forth from 1^st and 2^nd position on the flat start loop around the lodge buildings, and lead the paceline all the way until we hit the climb. It’s not the most recommended strategy, but I didn’t want anyone to get past. I made a gap on the group with one other girl, right at the base of the climb. By the time I hit the singletrack after a mile of fire road climbing, I had a 15 second gap on 2^nd. She made it right back to my wheel all the way up climb. I had a few failed surges, and I realized I couldn’t drop her.

I waited until the top of the climb and attacked one more time as the descent started. This time it worked. She was gone by the time I hit the first switchback. I didn’t know how far back she was, but she was back. I knew I could descend faster than her and all I had to do was keep the rubber side down and hammer the last punchy climbs.

The other girls were nowhere in sight all the way down the top of the descent, and I was glad. My legs were dead on the last climb. I was completely out of gas when I hit the top of the climb. I was beginning to see the venue down below and hear the announcer. The last few switchbacks were a blur to me.

I had it, I did it. Finally. After years of racing and training, I finally did it. I came around the last switchback and down into the venue. I was preparing to celebrate as I rounded the final turn- and an official had blocked me and sent me off course. She said my time was counted and my race was done. What? I walked my bike along course and was greeted by my confused family and friends. Apparently the pros were practicing on the short track course, so we couldn’t cross the finish line. Everyone was so mad and disappointed.

It took me about 20 minutes to get over the whole finish fiasco...but I got my moment, on top of the National Championship podium, 1^st place Cat 2 Women 15-18. It was one of the proudest moments in racing for me. All the work I put in, all the time in the gym and the strict nutrition was all worth it. I think it’s safe to say I got my redemption all right.

It’s been a great 2012 cross country season, and I couldn’t have done it without support from Grammo, my family, and my coach. I’m looking forward to my first year as a Cat 1. All I have left to say is, I made it.