No I did not take second. How about 14th. And I can't believe how excited I was after the race. Kyle Wibergs race report says it all. Racing with xXx has been a great experience, and this race was no different. Having numerous upperclassmen, as we call it, pass down tactics and strategies, really helps the confidence of us newbies. You give us this wanting to win for the team and not just for ourselves which makes it so much easier to race. And I think the results are showing. So thanks to everyone on the team for making these results happen.
I can not tell you I was not nervous before the race because I was. What helps me the best is warming up with someone from the team to ease the nerves. I knew Newt was in the race today so I gave him a call about meeting up for a warm up and was glad to hear he did not want to ride the trainer either. We discussed about stringing it out earlier in the race and to keep that pace going. Sounded go to me but I did not think he was going to do it on the warm-up too. But that shock to my system was a good thing.
As the race started, right to the front we went, Chris, Kyle, Newt, and myself. And as planned it got strung out, stayed in the front and did a good amount of work. I had not been able to pre ride the whole course, and was not going to take a lap before the start and loss a good starting position, so to be up front was a good way to find the good lines. I also like to take some of the turns at an all out pace to see if those lines actual work, and what better time than on a prime lap. I had always thought attacking half way between turn two and three from mid pack would be a great spot. And in this case it was. As everyone downshifted for the approaching hill I stayed in the same gear, stood up and sprinted. By the time I reached the front of the pack I was still accellerating while everyone was slowing to the hill. I muscled the hill in the same gear and didn't look back until turn five and was surprised by the gap. By turn 8 I was about a block ahead and the coasted for the $40. I will do this again at the end I said to myself, but for now get back into the pack and recover for I knew 6 laps by myself was impractial.
As I fade back to the pack, right up front is Kyle, Chris, and Newt, as where any good teammates would be. And better yet. Newt goes on a two man break, then it became three. Kyle and Chris stayed in the front and block while I recovered for a lap. And then the three of us stayed front hoping he would stay away. At the top of the hill we even slowed hoping to give them more time. But as I find out the two with Newt were lost and not much help, and with two to go they were back in the pack.
As the pace really picked up I stayed back to conserve, and that was my fatal mistake. I forgot about getting into position for the attack. I was alone thinking about the finish. And by the time I needed to attack I was too far back. I have to get the killer instincts. But Kyle now, he's got em'. I thnk he read my play book. So I fought for position on turn 4 then on turn 5 and six, seven and eight, making up all the ground I lost when everyone attacked. No one passed my in that whole time up to the finish. Lesson learned. Don't wait, make the move yourself.
Great job to Kyle, Chris, and Newt. 1st,4th,and 6th. It was a great race and had a blast racing with you guys. Crazy how happy I am with a 14th. Now my road season is done for the year and thanks to a great team, I enjoyed it and did better than I thought. Kudos to the Team. One more mountain bike race, and on to the cross season. I can't wait to race with fellow dirtbagger, Kyle, this cross season, along with a newly adopted dirtbag, Newt.