Longsjo Stage Race

Happy 4th of July!!

Thanks to teammate Natalie and neighbors - we set up a little camp NEBC in Fitchburg which saved me from daily driving to the stage race. Even with a race each day, the escape from housework, yardwork, errands, and driving made it the most relaxing weekend in recent memory. I had the opportunity to race with some of the best women in the country this weekend- and one exceptional French woman. Jeannie Longo was a real inspiration. At 50 years old she was able to severely kick my butt in every event of the stage race. Apparently she has been the world champion 5 times and is currently the time trial champion in France. It was very exciting that she came to our local race and I got to ride next to her in the road race and criterium. I heard that the some of the French woman are not happy at Jeannie for winning all the time there but she can come and race with me anyday.

My most exciting day of the weekend was Saturday of course - my kind of race - a road race with an uphill finish. I was disappointed that we could not race up the mountain this year due to the condition of the road (closed for reconstruction) but I figured 6 laps on the hilly course would be pretty punishing anyway. After 4 laps, I started to wish I had put in more training the past few weeks. My legs felt tired when I chased back on after taking a feed. I hoped everyone else felt the same. The group had considerably thinned when was promising. A group of 4 had got of the front but was within sight. Things were getting exciting. Unfortunately we were neutralized to allow the men to pass. We completely stopped and took a long drink break. Not only did I lose my position at the front of the field but about 30 women caught back up making us a very large group again. It was frustrating but I had to roll with it. I did get in a chase group of about 10 for a little bit but we didn't get anywhere because there was no interest in rotating through so that ended in frustration also. Coming into the back stretch I was determined to have a clean shot at the line. I got up to cover an attack by Lip Smacker and rode 2nd wheel for a while. When I drifted back, the lead out trains of Colavita and Lip Smacker were assembling. I probably should have worked to stay closer to the front because when we reached the hill, I was back 10+ wheels. When I saw people take off the front I yelled at the girl next to me to move left so I could get out. I managed to get out on the left side and try to sprint to the corner (on the right). I got about half way there before the legs started to slow alarmingly. A handful of women including Jeannie had gone up the right side and already through the corner. Two ladies started to overtake me and I let myself get squished uncomfortably tight in the corner. I went all out for the line but was overtaken by one of the chasers and ended up in 8th.

The winner from Colavita had a really great finish - having been in the break and ridden the final lap alone. She finished just seconds ahead of the field sprint. Pretty inspiring.