course: 12 miles ciruit x 5 laps- rollers with 1 kicker
the field: Pro1/2, cat 3 mixed field; ~80-85
conditions: started at 87 deg and finished at 93 degs, humidity: 1,000,000....%
summary:
I was feeling pretty good coming into the race and was expecting a flat course (similar to last years state road race course), but was pleasently surprised that there was a little change in terrain. The pace was dictated by the pro field as we averaged just under 25mph with many times having 30+mph pace lines. I was sitting pretty well in the middle front of the pack for most of the race.
I was lucky to have Desiree out to be my soigneur to provide me feeds. Unfortunately I dropped my first feed, but I was already loaded with 2 bottles on the bike and it wasn't a big deal. I got all subsequent feeds which were much needed. With the weather condition the way it was, half of what was in the bottle ended up on me to cool me down with the other half going into me. I took in a gel every lap except for the last.
The last lap definitely picked up and I was sitting towards the middle of the peleton when the pace was lifted even higher and with about 5 laps to go we were all pace line through the rollers and up the last climb, my body was telling me it was tired and my mind confirmed the exhaustion. I hung on for the last few kms and just rolled in towards the back. There was no need to try and contest the sprint from my position so I just stayed safe and alert as there was a crash ~50m from the finish.
Finished with the pack and more importantly stayed safe- a success in itself with a race control and pace set by the pros.
Race next week- 1 last one before Greece!
pics: http://sports.webshots.com/album/577958857rBzbTu
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