Ilan +/-
I was really looking forward to the Ilan races; first day a fast climb; second day a circuit race with fast rolling terrain, with a not-so-long climb. Perfect courses for me! I had high expectations for myself, especially after a so-so result in Huadong. The first race started fast, even in the neutral! As soon as the neutral ended I pushed hard to move towards the front. Much of the climb was exposed, with the sun baking us on the outside, and the hill cooking us on the inside! Inevitably the pack separated and formed smaller groups. I didn’t like the pace of my group and I forged ahead, a few others joined and kept the pace to the top. I felt strong throughout the race and knew I must have placed top three in my category. It wasn’t until I was called to the podium at the award ceremony that I knew I got first place!
Sprint on 2nd Day... MAD!
With a win in my pocket and a course for my riding style I felt good going into the race on the second day. Bad news; they announced only 2 laps not 3 – so 40k instead of 60k. Ok no problem, just ride faster. More bad new; 3k into the race there’s some commotion in the pack, a rider goes down then 2, 3 … oh shit there’s a bike headed towards my face! I steer right to avoid the crash, I feel I’ve found a way through.. then no, I’m headed over my handlebars. I take my hand off the bars to deflect the bike in the air coming towards me, then tuck and roll forward; elbows, shoulder, back, butt. Reminded me of getting slammed by a wave body surfing! Got up and had trouble finding my bike, finally realizing that it’s 12 meters ahead of me. Body check, bike check. Back rolling on the bike… chasing, pissed. Another time trial for me. I never saw the pack again. I worked hard, catching and passing others (who hadn’t fallen). I was too mad and riding too fast for anyone to stay on my wheel. I passed 5 riders in my category including one sprinting at the finishing climb. To my surprise I was 6th place in category. Oh and I broke my left cleat so had to stay so no out of the saddle efforts..
Pitmaster waiting for customers after scoring a win
Great weekend with friends and family, delicious food. A first place for Cinelli-Ritchey. Yeah! I feel more proud of my effort the second day.. head over heal crash, get back on, pursue hard. Consistent results from the team. Oh, and did you see RayRay on the podium?? YES. Keep it up Ray!
訂閱台灣 Team Cinelli Ritchey 車隊
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