I came back to Wisconsin so that I could do a lot of great racing while avoiding the summertime in the desert. On short notice I decided that I was best of to travel with Brian Matter to Michigan for some UCI cyclocross racing. I’ve never done UCI cross racing and I’ve just done a dozen or so state races in my life so it was certainly a test of skill, fitness, and motivation. I came through all right and had fun with the experience. Without any UCI points I got to start in the back and work my way up.
This worked out alright though by the time the second lap was done, the lead group was long gone and I was riding solo. I kept it hard and steady to finish a repsectable 13th place. Not too shabby for a first-ever attempt. Not only did Bruce LeBlanc snap some good pictures of the action, he saved my race on Saturday. I flatted just minutes before our start on Saturday and he was there to quickly help me get a tube in my rear wheel. With his help I was in race mode and set to go.
Day two I had a better call up, but the motivation wasn’t 100% out there. For whatever reason I just wasn’t into the suffering and my riding suffered as a result. I would hang on a wheel and then get gapped off. This happened numerous times and I went on to finish a distant 20th. It was a bummer to never really click into ‘race mode’, but at least I gave it a shot out there. The season has been plenty long and action packed and this was honestly the first time that I wasn’t totally into it… A break is soon due.
But first, I’ll be doing the Mad Cross UCI races here in Madison. Some big names will be in attendance and the number of superfans is sure to dwarf those spectating in Michigan. Everyone seems to be really excited for the weekend and I think that energy will carry me through a couple of one hour races. Given’r two more times for an hour a day won’t be too much to ask and I’m looking forward to a couple more UCI’s now that I know what to expect.
If you’re anywhere’s close to Madison I suggest you make the trip to watch the UCI Cyclocross this weekend. It ought to be a great show – fitting for my Midwest finale before I head back to Tucson. See you there, -TJ
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