My favorite race of the year! Aside from being in my backyard, the course in Jackson Park seems to suite me and my roadie background. After my win in the 2/3 race here last year I received my Cat. 1 upgrade and looked forward to the UCI race in 2010.
After a 2nd-to-last row start, and a madhouse dash for the first left-hander it was 2 laps of fighting for position, avoiding crashing riders, and bumping and grinding before being able to settle in for the full 60 minute race around the fast track! We averaged over 25 mph for the first 2 laps, and I was settled into the 3rd group. As riders started to fall back I tried to work my way up to the 2nd group on the road, but was stuck in "no man's land" as the 2nd group joined the leading group to form a 15-strong front group that whipped around the course in the 60 degree sunshine. My mantra was "smooth and strong" as I tried to stay steady and work my way up. Our group of 5 took turns pulling, attacking, and some of us - crashing. I managed to stay upright all afternoon and even put in a last lap attack, but was pipped on the line for 18th as a Lees-Mcrae rider had slipped away a lap before - both riders had sat on our group as the other 3 made efforts late in the race.
My teammate Eric pulled out a solid 15th place for a UCI PR, and only 5 spots out of UCI points and a world ranking.
Check out a video of the first lap here: http://vimeo.com/17089216
You can see Eric pass Josh, but you'd have to wait another lap to see me!
Sunday: unfortunately I was called in to the hospital for 2 cases, so I missed my race . . . that's the life!
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