Back to the Bs. I wrestled with many motivational demons over the last week, and in the process had an epiphany–I realized, first, that I am no where near in the sort of shape I was in last fall. Not that I can’t do a long ride, or deal with the pace of the B race, but I don’t have any kick in my legs (“good sensations” as the PROs call it). So be it. I will now be content to sit in at the B race for a few weeks, hopefully slowly build up my fitness, and perhaps be ready to do more than this each week. I spent a bit of time closer to the front of the group, but did no work. I need to change that policy in the coming weeks, though, as when my team mate John returns, he’ll likely be more active and I should attempt to provide some small degree of support (though I’m fairly certain I can sit and block at the front of the group with the best of them).

As for the race itself–a break established itself early, with representation from the strong teams, so we did quite a bit of lollygagging as those teams blocked and generally persuaded everyone that chasing was a Bad Idea. This led to the group getting lapped by the break. More lollygagging until 5 laps to go, when UPMC put their guys up front to control the field for the sprint for a place that probably didn’t really matter, thanks to the break. One by one, they would hammer a lap then drop off to the back. I was poorly positioned (not sure why I didn’t perk up when I heard “time to move to the front”) and spent a full lap trying to close a gap to the main field. I managed to do this, but heading into the last half lap, decided it really wasn’t worth getting in the mix for 20th place and finished at the tail end of the group.

I’m perfectly content to not get results at this point. I’m probably just on the cusp of being fit enough for the B race, so this is more like structured training than anything else. Being pack fodder in a 3/4 race is good enough for right now. The Oakmont crit is coming up, and I’m hoping to do okay there. I don’t think I can expect to pull down a top result, but I need to be active, especially if we have a few other team mates there. The next weekend, we’re headed to Connecticut to visit family, and my plan is to do the Nutmeg Classic Crit (where I can race Masters 4/5–sweet!). I’ll be curious to see how that shakes out. It would be nice to have a good set of legs for that race if only not to spend the race in the middle or back of what will likely be a shaky bunch.

Posted on 14 May 2009