Sunday was the Super Spring Criterium in South Beloit.  My first race of the year, first time doing two races in one day, and back to back.  I figured why rest in between, just get out there and make it happen.  With a cummulative total of about 12 minutes on the trainer this winter, I doubled my trainer time in the parking lot warming up for the race.  SCORE, the victory is assured…

First race.  Started in the second rowgot into the pedals well and into a rythm immediately.  First lap was slow, suited me just fine.  Second lap not so fast, third lap things started to pick up. Things only got out of hand for me in the second to last lap, when I unknowingly found myself off the back, I chased back on.  Last lap, fell off the pace again in the second to last corner, when the pace was lifted for the final sprint.  I knew I was not contesting the sprint from the back of the field, and with another race starting in 5 minutes I just let them go.  It actually felt good to watch them roll away for some odd reason.  I was the last person in the race to receive an actual placing in the posted results, good for 34th.

Second race.  Started front row lead the field into turn one and into the first head wind then I settled into the group, knowing that it was going to be a long 45 minutes for me and my already starting to cramp legs. Not a good sign for things to come.  Mid way through the race I got squeezed off of the course and went cyclocross in the grass.  No big deal I thought, I powered through and looked to come out on the other side in ok shape. As soon as I returned tire to pavement the legs seized. Completely locked up.  Helpless, the field wrung me out like a dirty dish rag while I was unceremoniously congratulated for not crashing in the grass. Now on my own, the rest of the race was a training ride. I hitched on with a few guys here and there. Then Alberto hatched a master plan for me to win the sprint for 29th, according to the official results, but I think it was more like 75th place, sorry Morrisey. In short the previous admittance of low time on the trainer in the offseason showed.  More work to be done.  I am off for a fitness test.