It is hard to believe that cyclocross season is already well underway. With
Marathon Mountain Bike Nationals just a few weeks in the rear view mirror and a couple of local races under my belt, I headed to Portland for a weekend with my family and some great racing at the first Cross Crusade Series Race, Alpenrose.
The Women's field was solid - the strongest I have ever seen at a Crusade race (minus Sue, who is quickly recovering from back surgery and will be back at it no time flat). I had a rotten start, but clawed my way to the front by the second lap. Jade, Alice and Beth Ann were all riding well and I had to dig deep to hold onto my position.
This is what I would consider a pain face.
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| Photo: Matthew Lasala |
To ride or to run? I picked the first option.
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| Photo: Matthew Lasala |
My road tactics weren't strong, but Jade's were. She let me lead until the last lap. I bobbled and she put in an attack I couldn't respond to....
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| Photo: Matthew Lasala |
Last lap, chasing hard.....
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| Photo: Andrew Keippela |
The aftermath.
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| Photo: Andrew Keippela |
