In late June I headed off to California to get some solid training miles in the warm hills of Irvine and the surrounding areas. During the two weeks there, I was able to put some serious miles under my belt, as well as a couple of fiery group rides. I also had the opportunity to race an Eldo Park Crit, a local weekly criterium in Long Beach, hosted by the Bahati Foundation. I met some of the local legends and raced against SoCal’s best in a fun-filled evening race. Later on, I managed to make it to a CBR, a prestigious local race series. Racing in the P/1/2 field was a blast, and I got to see what teams like the Legion of Los Angeles were all about, a great appetizer for what was to come in the next few weeks.
Once my time in California was up, I made my way to Chicago, Illinois with coach Matt Usborne for the Intelligentsia Cup. I was fortunate enough to get a guest ride opportunity with Above & Beyond Cancer p/b Bike World, being able to ride with a team makes all the difference in a top-level 10-day criterium series.
The races were super exciting, every day with a different challenge. Each race was 90 minutes long and the Chicago summer heat definitely added another layer of challenges. The first two days had a steep learning curve, but I quickly found my rhythm in the fast-moving, 110 men strong peloton. Being able to ride as part of a team was a great help, with each team member looking out for each other and making sure we made it through each technical race. Day three, at the Windfield Criterium was a stand-out day, with a long hill the course was tailor-made for me. I was mixing it up at the front, and trading blows with the likes of Legion of LA, Project Echelon, and Skyline racing. Unfortunately, the fast 80 kph plus downhill finish was not made for junior gearing, and I lost my top ten positioning on the finishing straight. Such is racing.
As the days, and races rolled by my legs and body became sore and tired, but a much-needed rest day after day five revitalized my body and spirit, and on day six at the South Chicago Kermesse I had all cylinders firing. With a longer, smoother course the table was set for break-aways and it did not disappoint. Working with my new teammates we helped control the pack, and attack and counter-attack. I was able to get off the front with some other strong riders before the big sprint teams decided it was time to reel it all back in for a fast and furious sprint finish. Helping lead-out, there were no results to be had, but I am happy to report I was very happy with my performance on the day. The last few days were hard on everyone, with the heat and consecutive tough days getting to all of us. I was unlucky and was unable to finish two days, with my body not coping well in the tough, punchy racing conditions. My luck turned even worse on the last day. Sadly I was caught up in a late crash, the last crash of the series to be exact. With only four laps to go, free laps were not to be had, and I had to finish my week with a disappointing DNF.
Although there were no results to speak of, I am very proud of my achievements while at the Intelligentsia Cup. Being able to hone my racing abilities against the best of the best in American criterium racing was an amazing experience, and I can say with certainty the lesson learned at the series will not be forgotten.