The Final Duo: A Crit and TT

Sunday April 2 was a much anticipated day as it marked race numbers 9 and 10 of the Spring Series. The Giant girls went into the final 2 events of the 3 race stage race, with smiles and determination to finish off the series with aggressive riding and lots of action. The team leaders Jenny and Lisa have shown fantastic leadership and experience though out the series upon which the rest of the team is continually learning from. The message from them on the last day was simple, "you are not racing if you are not at the front - get there, stay there, anticipate moves, and react". The B race crit began on that note with Jenelle, Alena (me), Clair, Leah, Lisa, and Jenny racing. After a brief hail storm and some rain, we started the 60 minute crit. The team had riders in the front marking moves from the beginning. It took me a few laps to get myself together and to the front, which as it would seem should be a simple thing to do, however a few pedal strokes in the wind can do some damage to the legs, and that really adds up near the end of the race, as I would soon feel through out my continual effort to "get there and stay there". Myself, Leah, Claire, and Jenelle, had the jobs of marking moves from the front, in order for Lisa and Jenny to have enough in their legs for the sprint finish, which had some moments of effectiveness and a few other moments to keep learning from. A crash in the middle of the race unfortunately took Claire as a victim, but she escaped with no injuries. The race stayed together for a sprint finish where Lisa lead Jenny out for a 7th place. The team finished the race on a positive note in terms of the experience we had gained though out the series from learning how to ride together and the potential we have to keep that learning curve up.

The final race was a 12 km ITT. After the team spent some quality time together, eating, relaxing, and organizing TT equipment, we were ready to finish the series! Jenny and Leah were excited to try out their new super hot Giant Time Trial bikes. Most of the girls were feeling totally cooked after the previous 2 races and the past month of racing. We had some comments such as "my HR doesn't seem to be much higher when I'm going hard", "but my bike is so hot". Needless to say on the short, flat, and windy TT Leah ripped it up with a fast time, and the other girls followed behind putting their best effort forward. Myself and Jenny had the same comment "I went really hard...". It was a very satisfying finish to know there was no more work that could been produced from the legs of the Giant girls. We look forward to the season!