CU Short Track

I started racing the Wednesday evening short track series five years ago. I took two years off while running camp and am just getting back into it this summer. It's now being promoted by the CU Cycling team. It doesn't seem to have quite the attendance as when Boulder Racing was over handling the series but that's okay-- it's a bit difficult to race the fairly tight single track with 50+ other guys.

My first STXC race this year was May 20 and I started off really strong and sitting in the top 10 but I faded quickly and squeaked out a 23/25 finish. Then several races were cancelled due to weather and I missed some due to work but I have raced the past two weeks and am seeing evidence of improved fitness and strength.

Last week I ended up taking 5th, after they had to give 4 racers a DNF for cutting the course on the first lap. Once I was in position for that race, there was no changing. But last night I had my best short track race yet- a 4th place finish.

I managed to get second position off the line, right behind a guy on a 29er. I was content to sit in his draft but I was getting balled up behind him on some of the bmx rollers that are scattered across the course. After crossing the line into lap two I took over and lead all of lap 2. But alas, I gave up the first three positions going into lap 3-- should have been charging and not spinning. And I sat in 4th for the last three laps. But it felt good.

I think one thing that is helping me out is leaving work with at least two water bottles full of ice water. It seems to help keep me cool during warm ups and feels like it helps me wash the dust out of my mouth better out on course. Maybe its make-believe but it feels good.