5 mile pass

My first A race of the season, my third mountain bike race of the season, and my fifth race of the season. The plan was to win. That's why I trained since November.

I am tired of saying that plan didn't work out again. I played catch up from the start line, never catching anyone. Again.

I am consistently in the top five finishers yet have been unable to get the win. I consistently fail to hang with the fastest group at the start.

This race was interesting in its time trial feel. Although there were plenty of climbs and technical areas there was nowhere to rest behind someone and take a rest. It is so easy to pass that its full gas the whole race.

There were definitely a few spots that I performed faster than others, partly due to my leaving my brain at the start line, and partly due to pre-riding. I distinctly remember one blind fast left turn where I zoomed by someone on the second lap, the awesome bobsled section where people actually got out of my way (yeah, on race day), and even walking up that ridiculous 34% grade, choosing to walk on the right side where everyone else chose left.

I haven't looked at my numbers yet but I don't feel I could have gone harder overall. I keep analysing and hoping I can find that key to be on the top step.

I got passed by 3rd place for the last time at the beginning of the second lap just as I started eating shot blocks. That seems to be a pattern. Maybe I should learn to spit it out, cover the attack, and try again later.

I kept that guy within 1/4 mile but couldn't reel him in. With two miles to go I saw him walking up a climb and thought I would catch him, but he looked back, saw me, and started running up the hill, jumped on his bike, and the next time I saw him he was feet from the finish. THAT is what I need. Somehow to muster some strength on demand.

I recently read a headline wondering if the Shleck brothers lack that killer instinct. I don't want to be that guy but I feel that way. Bah.

I climbed well. I stuck with everyone I climbed with and passed a few. I feel I descended well, again catching and passing. I finished relatively strong, given that I definitely felt weaker on my second lap. Did I have anything left? Sure didn't feel like it. Overall a good performance. I feel strong. The next 3 weeks should be interesting.