Under the Tucson Sky

My internal clock is still a mess from this past weekend’s stage race in Tucson. Losing an hour at the border of Arizona on Thursday night was an unexpected treat. Even more than that surprise, was the realization that we would never get that hour back due to DST. Arizona just has to be different, and ignore the farmers of the world I guess.

I had a great race and I felt like I was firing on all cylinders. The time trial put me in 5th place and I never let go of the spot in the overall. I worked my butt off on Saturday. Chased down a couple of early breaks, and the pack worked together well on the front end to make it happen. I did cross wheels with a guy, but managed to stay upright. Also made a rookie move that almost caused a crash, but after being yelled at, I settled down to finish with the front group. We shed about ½ of our group on the climb into the finish.

Sunday was another day of hard work, and I worked with the top 3 guys to dictate the pace of the race. I led an entire lap, and apparently guys were just falling off the back. Sweet! Although I was in front most of the race, I let myself fall back on the run to the finish. Hindsight is 20/20 and I should have positioned for the win. Oh well. I realized after the fact, my goal of just holding on to my overall place cost me a potential win. 10th is not bad on the day though. I finished 5th in the overall and was super stoked with how I performed out there. I am feeling stronger and stronger as the weeks go on.

This next weekend will be the true test of strength as I tackle the San Dimas Stage Race. I have no teammates, but will be excited to watch the MCS women and Julie dominate the women’s race.

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