"So, I think my call-up is going be pretty bad based on this number." :)
Cross Nationals was a blast. The competition fierce, the spectators were rowdy, the course was hard.
A 60-degree drop in temperature and biting wind set the stage for a tough race. The course was not very technical. The real challenge was the long energy-sapping drag to the top of the hill. The ground was saturated to a deep level but the top was drying out. It was like riding uphill through brownies. Slow motion.
All cars run out of gas if you run 'em long enough and the last couple of races were just about to the end of my long season that started in Africa in March "a world away".
I lost contact of the lead group after I had trouble clipping. My cleats were packed with dirt and I found myself in no man's land for a while.
It was somewhat comforting to see Jeremy Powers was having a off day too, as it put me in good company. I shouted encouragement "come on man" as I passed.
He was like, "I don't know what's wrong with my legs!" 'I do,' I thought...
After much suffering, slicing and dicing, I got into a nice three-way battle with Troy Wells and Mark Lalonde with three laps to go. They attacked and gaped me, but I was faster on the run up. I made contact again and counter attacked with one to go. Mark was in hot pursuit, but I was able to snap through to snag 10th.
That is a good conclusion, after all I am just moonlighting in 'cross and running on fumes.
Time for a break and some much needed rest.
Thanks to the all the rabid fans for cheering me on and for the support of East Coast Bicycle Academy, Trek of Pittsburg for getting me here, Sally Snead and the rest of the crew with the Alan Racing team for inviting me to stay with them, it was a blast. And of course Trek/Volkswagen and the rest of our great sponsors. It was one hell of a season!
Whoo Hoo!
Jeremiah
Labels: Cyclocross, Racing
