Bellin Health Village of Howard Cycling Classic (Super Week Day 4)

Today's course was flat and boring. Really nothing else to say about it. There weren't really even any sketchy sections to make the course technical. The hardest part was the headwind on the back stretch.

My stomach didn't want to eat this morning. Not sure what was up. I knew I was in for a treat though when nothing seemed to want to go down. Today was one of the hottest days so far up here. I'm sure it was in the 90's. I was used to riding in that kind of heat, but the past few days it's been in the lower 80's so I've gotten spoiled. Time to adapt again!

The race started and I took off. I actually got clipped in right away. That happens about every 3 out of 10 starts. So I took advantage of it and sprinted from the start line. It strung out some and I led the first lap, but everyone was still there. A few people attacked during the race and there were two primes. I tried to go for the first one but went way too early. Yada yada yada, some people attacked, then they were realed in, you know...the usual stuff. It was pretty unorganized. So here's the kicker. I felt like crap. No it wasn't my legs, it was my stomach. I don't know what it is. I've head issues with it before...not wanting to eat and what not. Well during the race today, I threw up a bit in my mouth...yuck and sorry for mentioning it. I think most of it was the heat. I just couldn't get comfortable.

So the second to last lap came and a lapped rider decided to pull. I don't know what it is with lapped riders getting in the main pack and mixing it up. I actually asked an offical after the race what we were supposed to do. She said it was rider etiqute to go to the back of the pack, but also that they could still ride with the main group. The offical stressed they shouldn't go to the front and pull because then it looks like they got dropped intentionally to help out teammates. Alright well anyway, so we have a lapped rider pulling. Not everyone knew she was lapped so a few people were jumping when she jumped. Ah well.

Alright well the last lap came and finally someone else pulled through. The lapped rider stayed near the front of the group until the second to last corner. I had found my wheel for the sprint and wanted to stay there. This lapped rider all of a sudden pulls off in front of us and slows down. Crap. So my wheel goes around her and I am stuck. I finally make my way back to her, but not the positioning that I want. The course has a sweeping curve before the finish line. This is were I messed up. I was on the inside and of course everyone moved to the right. I got squeezed to the curb. There went my wheel again. So now I was left to sprint with 5 or so people up the road. There was quite a gap. I came across 7th. Still in the money and enough to cover entry fee for the day so I was ok with it. Still bummed about how it all played out, but you'll have that. Now if only I can figure out what the crap is going on with my stomach.

Overall I'm standing in 2nd place, down by 3 points. It could all change tomorrow though. First place is 20 points and it goes down a point each place. I guess we will see. The race is in Sheboygan. I can't remember exactly what the course is like. I'll try to get an update posted tomorrow evening. Sort of depends where I end up staying. Have a good night!
-A

P.S. DOPERS SUCK! All this crap at the Tour is getting annoying! Unfortunantly all I've been able to do is check Velonews.com. I sure hope the DVR is taping VS because I'd like to see some interviews. I'll post more on my thoughts when I have time.