55 mile circuit race today. 130 starters.

We got the internets working at the host house tonight so I get to write.

We started the race in the middle of a midwest thunderstorm with the warning: “if you see lights and hear horns flashing at the start/finish line that means the race is over!” It was pretty crazy. They were going to cancel the race when the lightning started hitting close to home.
The rain was coming down hard, the roads were up and down and rolling with big ring climbs around every 90 degree corner. It was real “hardman” cycling today. I felt like ass. All farm roads. Maybe 5-6 bike lengths wide the whole time. One lane euro style, sketchy turn action.

The finish was up a little rise. “hey team, I can do something on that kinda finish!”.

Well, first lap crashes and broken derailleurs left the whole OA squad chasing the lead pack.

I somehow came from dead last to make it into the front group. I was feeling the crit the night before and spent the race watching attacks go and get reeled back.

On the final lap there was a big crash that cut our 80 person peloton into a 40 person field with straggling chasers.

I felt great on the finish climb and besides getting boxed in I think I put a few bike lengths on the field to get 6th place.

Hope I can last all week.