Success after only 2 weeks of coaching!
25 Aug 2009
Hey
Colin,
Figured I'd give you an update. Saturday was very wet, and very slow as well. Way too many crashes on top of that. I raced conservatively, at the front, but not giving it a lot of gas. Last lap I positioned myself perfectly, about 4th wheel. Into the final turn the first rider went down, we had to give it some brakes and it created a slinky effect for the 2nd, 3rd and 4th (now the 1,2,3) riders. We each had about 10-15 feet between eachother and they sprinted early. I stayed seated trying to gain some space on them before I started my sprint. There ended up being just too much distance (almost 30 feet) to cover in order to win. But I held my place and got 3rd.
Today was another story. Large field, tons of sketchy people of course, couple crashes. I raced pretty aggressively at the front. I was in a small break for 1 lap or so but it didnt stick so I resumed my place in the pack. I spent most of my time in the top 10 position, pulling for maybe 5-8 laps. They changed the finish to the top of the uphill, which was new and exciting. Into the curve approaching the bottom of the hill, I positioned myself about 5th wheel, knowing that some people would sprint prematurely but left room on the side to get around. Bunch of QCW guys went, I watched and ramped up my speed (while on their tails) but waited and waited, bam, perfect timing as they were getting weak and no where near the finish. I shot out the side, took it real wide and arched all the way around them, passed by about 5 feet and placed first. Sweet!
Ever since we talked and initially figured to stop shooting for good placings and start shooting for wins, I have been thinking alot and this is helping. Between winning the training crit on thursday, 3rd on Saturday and 1st today, I'd say it has been a good week!
Nick M