I Love it When a Plan Comes Together

The great words of a childhood television hero, Hannibal Smith of the A-Team. After so many close calls and second guesses, my work has ripened.

Today, I won! As soon as the gun went off, I knew the legs were a far cry from the pain they were yesterday. It was just one of those special leg days. Any gaps were closed quickly and I was just feeling good all around. Legs just seemed to spin fast and accelerate. With 7 laps to go, my teammate, Kenny, bridged up to another rider and ended up getting the prime. I moved into position to mark any moves. Riding in the front is always hard but it typically keeps you safe. With 6 to go, the rain has already started, so I moved to the top 2 knowing that rain slicked roads will be total chaos especially on all the white stripes. So on the 2nd turn, a nice lefty, I took a beautiful line and held the bike in check despite the rain. Unfortunately, the rider just in front of me took a not so good line, went down, and caused immediate disaster. I sensed the moment instantly and jumped hard and bridged up to Kenny and his breakaway partner. We worked briefly together but I was careful to size up the fitness of the other rider. Kenny fell back so it was just two. With 4 and half to go, I attacked my breakaway partner. I was continually sizing up his ability as were swapping pulls. I didn't feel confident in his ability to help deliver me to the finish with the peloton looming. It was textbook. He was finishing his pull and I jumped hard to the left and put the hammer down. Gap was opened immediately and I continued to lengthen it as the laps seemed to not go by fast enough. By this time, the rain was dumping and lightning and thunder were all around. Roads were super slick so I was being just cautious enough to keep my speed but not lay it down.

I guess I didn't believe in it fully until 1 lap to go. By this time, the field was 3/4 of a lap down and the chase was 10-15s back. So much was running through my head. I have been so close so many times and met some misfortune last summer but today it worked out. Shawn kept me believing in myself and today I paid her. As I crossed the line with arms waved, I have never felt so much joy in a bike race. The crowds were amazing and I got to hear my name on the loudspeaker as the encouraged my effort. With arms in the air, I crossed the line in ahead of any other rider. A great end to a great weekend.

Chow,
Matthew