Victory at Vail

Vail is my undoubtedly my favorite course, so I was ready to return and face the challenge once again, this time with Marine Corps hill and the varsity add-in of the technical tarantula descent. Then midweek I contracted a nasty cold that disrupted my training and drained my energy. But sick happens to everyone and I decided to keep my head in the game and make the most of it.

Gwendalyn, Megan, and I were all racing together for the first time ever, making this race the most anticipated of the season. I got in a good warm up Sunday morning and took off fast from the start line.

On the first punchy single track Gwen obtained a small lead, but my endurance training kicked in and closed the gap on the next long fire road up to tarantula. We all sprinted as soon as the trail was in sight, and Gwen got there first to lead us down the winding, sandy descent. Next up was the Tunnel of Love; everyone's favorite part of the course; and then the infamous Marine Corps hill. We battled each other up the steep rocky climb, and at the top I was so exhilarated by the cheering crowd that I made an unknowing attack to the next single track.

By the end of the lap Gwen had gained a small lead, so Megan and I worked together to try and catch her. It was a different experience having a three-way varsity girls lead pack, which hasn't happened in the SoCal league in years. Now we were able to really use drafting and tactics against each other which made for an interesting dynamic. Megan finally took a pull and powered back up to Gwen, and we were united once again going into lap 2.

When we hit the dusty single track I was sitting in third. The dirt kicked up by the riders in front of me, making it difficult to see the trail and my lingering cough to surface. Megan and Gwen gradually pulled away on the next pucnhy single track climbs, and I unfortunately was not able to catch back up. I finished in third and started coughing uncontrollably as soon as I got back to the pit, feeling physically defeated and discouraged. I've never placed less than second in a NICA race, but it's important to remember that these girls are the best of the best. Sometimes I wish it was easier or that I was in a different league, but if it wasn't for the stiff competition that keeps me motivated to train hard, I wouldn't be the rider I am today. Above all, it's frustrating not being able to pursue the cross country season wholeheartedly because of endurance training, but I have to keep my head in the game and stay focused on my A race, 24 hr world champs in June.

Although I faced some hardships, at the end of the day I still keep it all in perspective and remain grateful for family, coaches, teammates, friends, and sponsors for supporting me through thick and thin. Congrats to Marjimus Maximus on a win in the Sophomore girls category. It was a great team bonding weekend as well since Corona Composite was back on top of the podium for the first time this season! So proud of this group of goons ;)