Last week I had the opportunity to race the
@redlandsclassic , a premier 5-day stage race in Redlands, CA. As a newer racer, I’m so grateful for
@jakroo_official for introducing me to the very high level of racing at Redlands.
To be transparent, the month between February racing in AZ, and leaving for Redlands in April was not a very good time. As soon as I learned I officially got my 2 upgrade and could race at Redlands, every workout felt extremely serious and high pressure. I felt like I wasn’t doing enough - whether it was hours on the bike, heat training, or eating the exact right meals. I recall I attempted the same workout four times and quit it every time. Just two weeks before we left for CA, I slid out in a corner, on a training ride and totaled my bike. Nothing but good vibes all around 😀😀.
With my confidence shaky, riding a foreign bike, and feeling undertrained, we arrived in Redlands last weekend with high expectations that I’d be in the fight for GC. We previewed all the key stages and sent me off to the team house.
The stage 1 TT went well with a 6th place result. I will admit, my goal was to podium - this might sound crazy from someone who has only raced two TTs ever before this race. I planned to follow up the TT with strong rides on the following GC stages, 3 and 5. Unfortunately, I was involved in a bad crash on stage 2 which took me out of the race. It’s difficult to reflect and acknowledge I was never even an animator this week. Except for stage 1, I didn’t get to see how I stacked up to the field and I’m left feeling disappointed.
HOWEVER, my teammates and new friends
@mahika_peterson @anniewymingascott @molly.g.roberts @sylvia.espinoza15 @mvaladez20 @mahika_peterson as well as DS
@juliekuliecza (and staff Grant and Rachel), were incredible and the best part of the week. The team was run so well, we were truly given pro athlete treatment.
I’m struggling to reflect on the bad month leading into Redlands, followed by a tough week racing. I’m not selling my bikes as I joked about last night, but I do see this as an opportunity to make changes in how I approach training and racing
PS - s/o to
@sierra_mountains_ for the crash footage 😀
