Saturday I completed my first time trial here in Boulder County. There were about 500 folks that participated in the 16.5 mile loop around Haystack Mt, from Jr's to CAT 1 and 2 riders. There was also a team time trial which went off right after the individuals which was pretty cool to watch. Since this was technically my first bike race they made me race CAT 4 which was okay but I think I should of started with CAT 3.
I rode up from north Boulder to the registration, got registered, and rode around the start and finish area for a while. As usual it was very windy coming off the mountains from the west to east, this meant a section with the wind, two with cross winds, and headwind coming home. My start time was 12:54 so I had a little time but wanted to stay warmed up so I rode back into boulder dropped a few things off at the car and headed over to the start. It was pretty cool they had everyone lined up by number/start time and were counting down each racer. My time was up.
As I headed out north the cross wind was a little bit in my face which made it harder, but I tried to push this section hard as the next one was with the wind and I would be given a little rest. After the first turn we were heading east with the wind, I quickly ran out of gears at about 47 mph, so I got to coast a few times and take a drink, I hit 52 once on this section as well, pretty fun. The next turn was south with the cross wind again, I had to turn it back on here. I was passing a few folks that started ahead of me, but the last section was to be the toughest into the wind. I tried to keep my power just under 400, until the last big turn east into the wind. It got pretty tough here, about 5 miles to go all against the wind. I tried to keep the watts up but the legs were hurting, the last 500 meters I was able to give a good effort to pass one last racer at the line.
I ended up with a time of 34:36, good enough to win CAT 3 and CAT 4, but only 7th in the CAT 1/2. I was happy with the effort, 350 avg watts, at 28.3 mph, avg heart rate 156 bpm which is pretty good for me especially with a 1/2 Ironman last weekend. Overall a very fun race to do I would gladly do another this season, I am planning on a few cycling races this season as I have purchased the ACA license and timing chip.
Offical results -
http://www.americancycling.org/results/road
Gavin congrats on a 28mph run, that's mind bobbling to me.Can't believe they made your race 4's, your as much a 4 as Lance LOL. Hopefully ACA will fast track you to cat 2 for some real competition and real prize money too.
ReplyDeletegimme a break. aca isnt gonna fast track you cuz you can TT. they dont even give upgrade points for TTs. gotta show some pack skills to race with the big dogs.
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