Proctor Cycling Classic Criterium

Today was the criterium portion of the Proctor Cycling Classic. Nice weather once again. There were about 15 category 3 women lined up for the race. Before the race began, there was a memorial lap. Yesterday during the women's category 4 race (to my understanding), a woman died. I heard there was a crash and she ended up in the left lane. A truck pulling a horse trailer ran over her. I don't know the girl, and don't know if I've ever even seen her. To hear about such a tragic accident like this one really hit me even though I didn't know the person. It sort of makes you think twice about racing, especially road races. My thoughts go out to the girls family and friends.

The race took off fairly fast and for some reason it felt fast the entire time. I was pretty tired from yesterday's road race. I tried to stay near the front as much as possible. Eventually a girl got off the front and we couldn't get organized so she stayed away (she was a cat. 3). A litte while later, June attacked and stayed off for the rest of the race. With two laps to go, an ABD rider attacked and stuck it til the end (she was a pro/1/2 though). So it came down to a sprint for 2nd. I made my way up to the front on the short climb before the final corner. A girl from team Kenda took off and I immediately grabbed her wheel. I came around her about half way to the finish line and was able to stick it out for 2nd place. I ended up 3rd overall for the weekend, which was neat because I didn't do the time trial. Both today and yesterday I pushed myself to the limits in the sprints. I can't remember ever feeling the way I did in the sprints while cycling. It reminded me of the way my body felt at the end of an 800m run in track. I guess that's a good thing right? Anyway, that's all I have for now. Next up is the Bicycle, Blues, & BBQ road race on Sunday (maybe). Have a good night!
-A