Pro Cycling Tour__Liberty Classic: June 3, 2012
Pure Energy Cycling-ProAirHFA
Pure Energy Cycling-ProAirHFA
This race is a pretty big deal. Being the USA's top ranked single-day cycling classic, approximately 130 riders from top teams around the world toe the line. I was given the opportunity to race this last year, but my debut came to a close when I crashed out on the final lap of the day. I wasn't totally off the hook this time around, but I was pretty happy [but not really] with my day, all things considered.
Going into the race this year, I wasn't as nervous because I knew what to expect. I knew the calibre of the race, I knew the course; I came into the race with more confidence, telling myself that I'm just as good as anyone else out there. I just had to believe it and apply it.
Going into the race this year, I wasn't as nervous because I knew what to expect. I knew the calibre of the race, I knew the course; I came into the race with more confidence, telling myself that I'm just as good as anyone else out there. I just had to believe it and apply it.
The race started on a calm, clear day, only to get warmer and windier throughout the day. My plan from the start was to "stay out of trouble" and ride smart, especially during the leading km's into the Manayunk Wall. The first time up the wall was a shock to my legs, but I figured it wasn't all that comfortable for the rest of the field either. Riding with smart tactics in the peloton definitely helped with my position going up the wall each lap because if I was any further back I'm sure I would've been screwed going into "the fall after the wall." I was feeling pretty confident and good about my race after the second lap because the pace up the wall proved to be tough for many to hang on.
During the second half of the third lap, I started to feel slight cramping in my calves. I thought nothing of it because it wasn't bad enough to cause any concern. So, what do you do...keep riding. After the third lap, going into the fourth, the slight cramping started up again, but again causing no concern...until we hit Kelly Drive on our way back towards the finish.
Somewhere along Kelly Drive getting close to Lemon Hill, both of my calves charlie horsed on me simultaneously. If you've ever gotten a charlie horse in your calf, you know it hurts like a bitch and they don't let up too easily. As soon as it happened, my eyes went bug-eyed, and I panicked for a slight second or two while I looked between my legs in disbelief. Thankfully, the peloton wasn't going too fast at that point; as I continued to drift back, I was quite certain that I was going to have to drop out of the race. I thought to myself in a disappointed way, "I can't end it like this." I think I almost started to cry too. But somehow, I managed to relieve the cramps by massaging them desperately and continuing to pedal with dropped heels. Unfortunately, by the time they were okay, it was time to go up Lemon Hill. For those of you that know the course, if you're not in good position coming off Lemon Hill, it can cost you your race. And so it goes.
Coming off Lemon Hill, the pace picked up along with the crosswinds. I got caught behind a few girls that opened up a gap; trying to bridge across myself in the crosswinds wasn't an option for me at that point. If it had been on the beginning laps, that's a different story. I was pretty disappointed because I was having a fantastic race up until that point. Yea, many would say that it was a good result, but not to my standards. I don't race to finish, I race to race. Really, I don't mean to insult anyone here, but you know what I mean. However, in the grand scheme of things, it was just bad timing and luck...it happens...sh*t happens. I'll be back next year.
During the second half of the third lap, I started to feel slight cramping in my calves. I thought nothing of it because it wasn't bad enough to cause any concern. So, what do you do...keep riding. After the third lap, going into the fourth, the slight cramping started up again, but again causing no concern...until we hit Kelly Drive on our way back towards the finish.
Somewhere along Kelly Drive getting close to Lemon Hill, both of my calves charlie horsed on me simultaneously. If you've ever gotten a charlie horse in your calf, you know it hurts like a bitch and they don't let up too easily. As soon as it happened, my eyes went bug-eyed, and I panicked for a slight second or two while I looked between my legs in disbelief. Thankfully, the peloton wasn't going too fast at that point; as I continued to drift back, I was quite certain that I was going to have to drop out of the race. I thought to myself in a disappointed way, "I can't end it like this." I think I almost started to cry too. But somehow, I managed to relieve the cramps by massaging them desperately and continuing to pedal with dropped heels. Unfortunately, by the time they were okay, it was time to go up Lemon Hill. For those of you that know the course, if you're not in good position coming off Lemon Hill, it can cost you your race. And so it goes.
Coming off Lemon Hill, the pace picked up along with the crosswinds. I got caught behind a few girls that opened up a gap; trying to bridge across myself in the crosswinds wasn't an option for me at that point. If it had been on the beginning laps, that's a different story. I was pretty disappointed because I was having a fantastic race up until that point. Yea, many would say that it was a good result, but not to my standards. I don't race to finish, I race to race. Really, I don't mean to insult anyone here, but you know what I mean. However, in the grand scheme of things, it was just bad timing and luck...it happens...sh*t happens. I'll be back next year.
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