After a long road season, with many hours and miles in the books, it was time for the Brentwood Grand Prix. Brentwood has historically been a challenging course. Key players in the field included Coryn Rivera ( Peanut Butter 2012), Kendall Ryan (WPT TIBCO to The Top), Jennifer Weinbrecht (Vanderkitten), Team Helens/Cannondale, Team NOW-MS Society, Team ACQUA AL 2/SDBC, and Team Herbalife LaGrange.
The race began to test riders from the gun. Having started at the back, I knew I had to make it to the front of the field, pronto! So I used the opportunity to open up my legs and move up into 5th position before we hit the 4th turn on a technical 6-turn course. Soon after, there was an early aggressive attack by teammate Lisa Campbell. The field responded right away. Everyone seemed ready to cover every move. There was a big chance for a break to get away on this course. There were strong attacks from every team. Numerous combinations saw potential to get away, but with so many strong individuals nothing stuck. At one point, Coryn Rivera, Kendall Ryan, Pam Schuster, Suzanne Sonye, and I had a good separation, but like with all the moves that day, it was pulled back. Helens' Suzanne Sonye, PB/2012's Coryn Rivera, LaGrange's Melinda Weiner and our own Lisa Campbell, Pam Schuster, Bonnie Breeze, and Katie Donovan all showed great toughness and had strong attacks. We also picked up some great primes along the way.
With 5 laps to go, and everyone's energy nearly drained, it seemed like it would come down to a sprint. But in SC Velo/Empower Coaching style, the next couple laps saw Katherine Donovan put in a monster attack that forced the other teams to chase. Unfortunately, Katie was caught with 1 laps to go. The final lap, like the whole race, was nothing short of fast and exciting. I went into the last lap in good position, with Pam ahead of me, and Lisa also up towards the front. Knowing I had to be around 3rd out of the last corner, I was extremely aggressive in the corners and secured a position behind Coryn Rivera, who I knew was the one to beat in the sprint. 200 meters from the line Coryn jumped and I put my head down, trying to get into her draft. Coryn was too strong and ultimately came away with the victory, with me in second and Pam Shuster in third. Katie Donovan, Lisa Campbell, Tammy Wildgoose, and Bonnie Breeze, finished 15th, 17th, 20th, and 27th respectively.
This was a great team race. I am so proud to be on this team, when even our road racers that hate crits are mixing it up in the final laps. It was great to have the support of our recovering teammates Priscilla Calderon and Lea Adams on the sidelines. Our thoughts are also with teammate Ruth Clemence who could not join us.
Woot! Woot!
