Sacramento Cyclocross #4

Sacramento Series NCNCA Cup 4

Despite awaking at 6am to drive to the race over a somewhat sketchy pass, I felt really good. We got to the venue with only 30 minutes to race time but after 2 laps on the course that was entirely different than yesterday's, I felt really good. A bit of lactic acid due to lack of cool down but still, pretty fresh. The course was a true cross course, grassy twisty turns that were so fun as they were wide and fast. No bumps thankfully. I got a good start behind Sarah Maile, Stella Carey, Kathleen Hannon, and Mary Anne Hunter,  I got on their wheels as one gal named Joan flew past us and got behind Stella. Sarah went out hard and gapped the field in the first lap. It was the type of course you could see your competition behind and up front very easily. I saw Kathleen start to break for the 3 gals up front. I decided to go for it and surge, catching Mary Anne and a lap later, the gal Joan who I think may have fallen on the slick stinky muddy paved section as she really fell back. I passed her but she got my wheel and we battled a few laps. I could feel her struggle a bit so I stood up and really pushed the pace. Then I looked up and saw Stella ahead. With 2 laps to go I passed Stella and she grabbed my wheel, it was great riding with such an experienced racer, learning some technique in the process. I could hear Joan as well behind us- still hanging on. 1/2 a lap to go, Stella got by me, I hugged her wheel and road in right behind her, 4th place. I think we got the same time by a few seconds. I was happy with the effort today as I felt strong and had a great time out there. Next week we race Pilarcitos under the lights in SF-

-Sarah P.

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