3km doesn't sound that long and it doesn't feel that long either, but that doesn't make it any easier. Throw in four 90 degree bends and a traffic island and its pretty hard to get bored out there. Last night the course worked out well for me and after the biggest ride of my cycling career, I am starting today's National Championship Criterium in the Tour de Delta leaders jersey. I am absolutely floored.
I first raced this course in 2008 as a new Cat 2 upgrade and had a great ride for 14th. It was super rad to be in the "big show" after enjoying some similar experiences during my alpine skiing career. I knew that the course matched my physiology (3-4 minute effort) and sporting background (technical corners that showcased my cornering skills from years of parking arcs on the slopes) so every year I've had big hopes for the Tour de Delta's opening stage. Now racing with Rubicon-Orbea (thanks to the Godfrey's and Keith Seed), I have been able to live like a monk. Sleeping, eating, riding, stretching and sleeping since graduating from Whitman College seven weeks ago. They have made my life so simple and its been very easy to motivate myself to get out on the bike every day. Any time I have trouble, which is not often when you live with four crazy Kiwis, I think back to the two construction jobs I have been lucky to have over the past three years (Mr. Chalk and Mr. Robson, thanks again for always supporting my goals). This opportunity with Rubicon-Orbea has been very special and I have thoroughly enjoyed turning myself inside and out on the bike.
Of course, Mom and Dad and my brother Darren have always been very supportive of my athletic aspirations so it was very special to share the evening with Dad. It was his first time at the prologue and I think he liked the champagne (helped me out so I could focus on Saturday, at least that was his excuse!) Everyone who was part of my time on the Whitman College Cycling team has also been very important to my development as a rider so I look forward to dropping by sometime this fall. The guys at Allegro Cyclery (Mike, Steve, Justin) always pushed me to the next level both on the road and as the leader of the team.
After the espresso last night, I woke up way early today so a nap will definitely be in order this afternoon. I figured I'd better start writing as thinking about both the prologue and tonight's criterium just threw my heart rate up to about 100 beats even though I was resting on an air mattress. Ladner is going to be televised and I hope my heart doesn't jump out of my chest when they call me up. Its go time.
Photos Courtesy of Greg Descantes:
Push for the Line
Podium Shot
Labels: Road Report
