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Boulder Cyclocross

Today was the day I have been anticipating for six months; my first cyclocross race since 2004.  Ever since I decided to come back and race cross, I knew there was going to have to be a “first race”.  Today was that day, and I survived!

I opted to do the Master’s Men 35+ race first at 9:45am.  The only qualification for this category is being older than 35yrs, of which I definitely am.  That also means that there is a wide range of abilities, ranging from former pros and Cat 1-2’s, to guys that are just doing their first cross race.  Of course it always seems to be more of the fast guys than anyone else.  But that’s what I wanted; another ass kicking.  Haha!

The field was large for a local race, maybe 40 guys or so.  I casually sauntered over to the front of the group and lined up in the second row.  No one hassled me so I stayed.  I knew getting a good start was super important and I wanted to take this race seriously.  The gun went off and the guys exploded off the line into a furious dash for the first turn.  No crashes but a lot of bumping and swearing.  I was a little surprised by how fast the group was going, but racing with a bunch of testosterone I should have know.  I held my position and was only passed by a few guys.  Then things settled down and the field spread out. 

I did really well on all the tight technical sections, but really suffered on the long straight-aways.  The guys would come out of the turn, stand up and sprint, and get a gap.  I was slower accelerating out of the turns.  Something that still needs work.  About two thirds of the way through the race I found myself mentally getting tired.  I was having to focus so incredibly hard, that once the group spread out and I wasn’t in danger of getting passed, I started to let up.  Finally the lap cards showed three to go and I realized that yes this torture session was only a few minutes longer.  My mind and body came back in line and I was able to ride the last two laps aggressively.  I think I finished in 18th.  It was a great first race, and to do it against some of the fastest riders in Colorado was very gratifying.

I had only an hour before the women’s race so I spun, had a recovery drink, changed to a dry skinsuit, pinned on a new number, and then headed over to the start line for round number two.  The women started fast, but not quite as fast as the men.  Thank goodness.  I wanted to sit in more and see how the other women were riding things.  I noticed right away that my technique was much better than the other girls, but my power on the flats was lacking, probably from having raced an hour earlier.  My biggest competition came from Amy Dombrowski, a young and talented cyclist that has been on the podium in many of the big national UCI races.  I sat on her wheel for a lap.  Then I lost her when we had to fight our way through the back of the Masters Men 45+ category that started a minute ahead of us.  I caught back up and sat behind her for another lap, trying to find any weaknesses.  On the back pavement section I jumped around her before the technical singletrack section.  Rode smoothly and came out with a slight gap.  That was all I needed.  I attacked out of each turn, tried to power as best I could on the straight-aways, and worked on smooth dismounts and remounts.  My gap grew and by the finish I won by over 20 seconds.  I was hugely satisfied and very excited!  Felt much smoother in the second race and winning was great for my confidence. 

Next Friday I leave for Seattle.  There are two big national races that kick off the cross season.  That’s when things get serious.  Should be a great weekend and I’m super excited to see where I stack up against the top women.

Wish me luck and stay tuned!!

Alison