Tour Of America's Dairyland - Day Four

Rain is always a risky proposition for riders like me. I am tall, and as such have a higher center of gravity on the bike than most. This in combination with the tarmac's reduced grip in wet conditions can often lead to disaster. To mitigate this risk of falling as much as possible, I made a concerted effort to get the best possible starting position. This so that during the opening laps of the race (often some of the "sketchiest") I would be able to choose my own lines as the pavement dried out after the day's earlier downpour. This turned out to be a fantastic decision. 

As expected, the start of the race was extremely fast. Because everyone was being cautious in the turns, the field quickly became a 300 foot long line of riders. No one was moving up, and I was doing to work to make sure I wouldn't slip back. I held my place during the entirety of race. Went in a breakaway or two, tried to solo across a gap, and ended up finishing in the field.

My only mistake today was not being 100% ready for the sprint. There seems to be a mental block inhibiting me from positioning well. I know I have the fitness to do it, but every time it comes down to a field finish in one of these high caliper races, I choke. 

The positive part of this weakness is that I have recognized it. I know what the problem is, now I need to find my solution. 

At the end of the day I finished 28th. Which, though it is not spectacular, is still a respectable finish in the most prestigious criterium series in the United States! 

I feel as though my legs are getting better as the days go on. Hopefully that is a trend that continues in the week ahead. 

Final note: The clouds were spectacular today. They framed a perfect evening sunset for a bike race. 




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