This year's Tour of Hermann was much difference for me than last year. Last year I knew I was well trained, but had zero expectations because I had never done anything like it. This year, I knew I was well-trained, but had definite expectations. I wanted to win the tt and hold my own in the crit. I didn't know if I would do the road race or not. I did not have it on my schedule because of my job situation, but since that had changed, it was a possibility.
The course for the TT was a new one this year--much more challenging than last year. Most of the hills were rollers, with one 18% climb at mile 4/10. The weather was humid, a bit windy, and low 60s at my start. I was cautious getting out of the parking lot onto the road because it was still wet from the rain we had. I was about three and a half minutes in when I got passed by my 30 sec follow. I didn't worry about it and just concentrated on pedal stroke and breathing. My legs and lungs both felt great. I went into my small ring for the big climb and it still hurt. I settled back in pretty quickly though. I think I was out of my saddle about three times on the way out. I passed one girl on the way as well. I got to the turn and saw another rider close enough for me to catch. I used him as a rabbit. Around mile nine, there was a hill that I was expecting I had to small ring. I knew the big one was close so I just added gear in the back. The climb was longer, but not as steep for the big hill going back. Once I was over that, I was back in my big ring and worked on giving more for the last bit. I finished strong with a negative split. Final time was 38:22--over a minute ahead of the 2nd place girl, 108 overall.
I had about three hours until the crit. Jamie and I grabbed lunched at the Stone Hill restaurant and watched the races. This crit course is the most challenging I'll see all year. It's 1.2 miles, starts with a false flat for about a quarter mile. Up next is a screaming downhill with awful pavement and a sharp right. You then traverse some neighborhood streets before climbing an ugly .2 mile hill that just hurts. At race time it was mid-80s and sunny with a 12mph wind; we were doing 10 laps. I had one teammate, Vanessa, in the race and she had fresh legs. She was urging me at the start to go out hard with her and splinter the field. I told her I didn't think I'd have it in my legs. We got the whistle and she drove the pace. By the bottom of the descent, I was off the back. I had two girls in my sight, so I just worked on gaining ground on them. I caught the first girl on the third climb. I didn't let up on her on got significant distance from her on the false flat. I caught the next girl on lap five on the hill. Again, I just concentrated on giving it the power to not let her stay with me. On lap seven I caught a third girl. I rode her wheel up the climb and then pushed past her at the start/finish, not giving her a chance to go with me. At two to go, the announcer said the four lead girls had a minute on me, about a quarter of a lap. I pushed my descents a little harder, and tried to climb faster, hoping to see them and get on, but all I did was lap the first two girls I passed. I ended up 5th overall.
I was really torn about whether or not to race Sunday. It was going to be hot, hilly and windy. But I wasn't paying for the race and I was in a great spot to be on the podium in the Omnium. I emailed Chuck who gave me great advice--if I woke up and wanted to race, go for it. If not, stay home and train. I hit the hills in Wildwood with the girls!
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