So the field got larger for the second Ace Speed Away criterium race in so many weeks. The average speed was up from 21.7 miles per hour two weeks ago to 23.6 this week. I definitely felt it, though part of it was from being out in the wind more often.

Like any race, it’s its own beast. Even though the course is the same, some of the riders were different, and there were more, the wind was blowing differently (crosswind at the beginning), and the temperature was slightly warmer.

Like two weeks ago, again the 30 minutes flew by, but I definitely had to work more. Part of it was not having a teammate in there to help get you into the paceline. I had a real difficult time getting an inside line throughout the 30 minutes, leaving me often working harder and not conserving as much.

But I felt good. With a lap to go, I was at the back of the peloton and decided to make my move. Going outside, I flew past the pack and tried to get a gap. But it didn’t stick. I went too early, but wanted to take the chance and was hoping to surprise them, plus I didn’t want them to get away and have to work to catch up. Regardless, not my best finish, but with a bigger field, I got a respectable finish of 8th place.

It’s nice to start seeing a lot of the same guys out there. You know whose wheels to stay on, whose line you can trust, etc. While I wished I could have gotten a medal again this week (picked up my bronze from last time by the way), it wasn’t in the cards. But, I’m still happy to have my fitness level so much higher than a year ago. Keeping with the lead guys was never a problem, I just blew my load too early in the final lap.

Post race, I had a slight scare. Talking to two buddies from Paceline, I started feeling woozy, lightheaded and really out of it. With the help of Amanda and Brian from Paceline, I was able to get off the bike I was straddling and lay down on my back on the ground. I got my legs elevated, got some water and was soon feeling better. That was a first and one I hope I don’t ever repeat. I’m so glad Amanda was there though. Thanks baby!

Regardless, looking forward to the few crits left for the 2008 season and looking forward to the off-season training and ’09’s season to roll back around in February.

Ace Speedway ‘C’ Race, August 19th, 2008

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