Back across to the Illinois side of the Mississippi River, Monday we headed to Rock Island Illinois for the Quad Cities Criterium, one of the longest running cycle races in the country. The flat, fast, three-quarter mile hourglass-shaped course just one block from the Mississippi River boasts one of the best wheel pits in the world.
With better weather on the forecast, four of us decided to do the double. In contrast to the previous morning, Monday started HOT. By 9 AM temps were already pushing 35 (mid 90’s). Stacy and I used the 2/3 race to work on some team tactics. Although my sprint felt like I was riding through molasses, I grabbed the midrace prime and we had great position at the front with two laps to go. The lead out didn’t go quite so well and we lost position with two turns to go. We need a bit of practice, but not bad for a first attempt. We salvaged out botched effort with a 7th and 9th.
In the afternoon, we were joined by Jessi, who opted to spend the morning studying for a course she’s taking, and 6th team member Kristen, who drove down that morning to join us for the Pro/1/2/3 race. Our first race as a complete team! From start to finish the race was filled with excitement. Four of us got call ups to the start line, Stacy for her 3rd-place finish the previous day, Jessi for her selection on the US National Team, Kristen as the defending champion, and me for my New Zealand license. As with the previous days’ races, several riders charged off the start line, full gas. I really need to get used to these fast starts!
The field wasn’t ready for it either and a break established early. With Kristen up front, the rest of us were able to relax for a bit. Not long though as the break was caught after several laps and attacks started flying. I had good position at the front to cover and cover and cover. I started to feel pretty blown! With two riders dangling off the front I was able to catch a ride with a bridging rider to establish a four- rider break. We lasted several laps longer than I wanted to and I was quite relieved when the bunch finally shut us down. More attacks and this time Stacy was on it. She bridged to a disintegrating break and blew right past. With a gargantuan effort in gusty winds, Stacy stayed away for 12 laps for a very classy solo win. With nothing left in our legs, Jessi and I finished mid-bunch. Coryn Rivera (Peanut Butter & Co) took the bunch sprint and Holly Matthews (ISCorp) rounded out the podium. Overall, a very successful weekend for the ABD women’s team. And not a bad result for our first effort as a full team! Thanks to race organizer Donnie Miller for putting a special focus on the women’s categories by offering Women’s 2/3 races throughout the weekend.
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