Day seven of SuperWeek undoubtedly brings about fatigued legs among the peloton and team, but the motivation soars high knowing we have two more shots at a win on our home turf. The Choices Market White Rock Criterium stands as one of the more fierce courses of attrition at Super Week with a significant hill on the back stretch notoriously dwindling the pack lap by lap.
I was excited to transition from the ‘flat land crits’ of Ladner, Burnaby, and Poco to a more ‘hill repeat’ style course after my strong ride in North Delta landing 10th in the bunch sprint for 21st overall. In traditional TRT fashion, the squad was on the front driving the train down the hill right from the gun, carrying momentum up the climb watching for the major players who have been active in shutting down and countering our attacks all week long.
Kinley and Gillian both took turns off the front within the first 10 laps and I stood guard on the front of the peloton, light on my pedals jumping across to every attack that fired, ensuring Bergen stayed safely in my draft conserving her matches for the finish. The Cyclery Opus put in some bold moves, including launching the National Road Race Champion Annie Foreman-Mackey up the road forcing Sara to counter and stick her wheel. This threatening mid-race move put pressure on the independent riders to pull the break back shattering the peloton and leaving many riders completely gassed for the 10ish laps that remained. In one last mission Gillian used every ounce of might to attack over the crest of the hill and open a significant gap with five laps to go, letting Bergen and Denise shake their legs before the finishing laps.
Gillian’s effort was meticulously timed as Denise was able to take control of the race, forcing Colavita and Twenty16 to once again have to bring Gill back before the finish. We knew the first rider exiting the final turn before the finish would win this race, so getting Sara in that position was our number one focus. Sara took a wide, sweeping left to the finish, with Alison Jackson aggressively driving her bike on the inside line, making for a sprint of inches right to the line leaving Bergen victorious and the Trek Red Truck squad beyond ecstatic to see our efforts pan out and secure that top step of the podium.
Tonight was a showcase of absolute team domination. Whether it be in business or sport we know the sum is greater than all the parts alone and this final crit of BC Super Week was yet again proof that the TRT ladies can write a script and deliver with perfection. I have had the opportunity to work with many highly successful individuals in my athletic and professional career, and this crew of TRT Women show that effective communication and utilizing each other’s strengths will create results followed with an unmatched feeling of satisfaction.
Onwards and upwards to the White Rock Road Race where we have an omnium jersey to defend!