Beautiful day for bike racing that day in downtown San Rafael. For some reason by the look of the mapped out course online, I thought it was going to be a boring 4 corner crit. When we got there, I was stoked to see there was a small little uphill coming out of the first turn, then after the back stretch there was a small downhill part into the final corner which made for a fun and fast race. As with the beginning of any race, I looked around to see if there was anyone I had not raced with before, in addition to seeing the usual suspects of the cat 4 races. Good to see Joshua there from Mission Cycling, always a nice dude. The race itself went pretty smooth. Not too many attacks as they would always be brought back right after the uphill section. Going into it, I knew that I had to be in good position (meaning the first 3 or 4 guys) coming out of the last turn to have a chance at the sprint for the win. The whole race I pretty much sat and floated around 7th-8th position not having to expend too much energy. The last two laps picked up in pace and I managed to move myself close to the front of the race in 3rd position if I remember correctly, and that's how it ended up. I took 3rd in the sprint to the line and that was that. Legs felt good, and I'm wondering if I could have started the sprint a tiny bit earlier? I just felt like I could have sprinted a tiny bit longer... Maybe not. It's all a blur at the sprint anyway isn't it?! Nonetheless, I was stoked for my first podium placing. After coming so close the last couple of races, although not taking first, I'm satisfied with third for now. That finish got me my points I needed towards the upgrade to Cat3 so we'll see how it goes. On a side note, Rainier took 3rd in the Cat3 race as well, and went on to race the next day in Lodi and took 3rd Again! there after getting into a 5 man break the last 8 laps, staying clear of the field. Keep riding strong dude!
(Photo: picasaweb.google.com/erika.cunliffe)
(Photos: Saskia)
-Joe
