We knew coming into the RR that we needed about 30 seconds to claim the leader’s jersey. Clare and Leda were our best options for capitalizing on this type course and Sunday’s circuit. Therefore, Missy’s plan was to set up Leda and/or Clare to be in a break.
There were sprint time bonuses on the first lap, only 4 miles into a 60 mile race. America’s Dairyland had to get these bonuses no matter what, we needed to help our overall GC positions. Missy’s instructions were for Kate and Clare to stay at the front and set up a lead out for the time bonus for Cari or Leda. As it turned out, Cari won the sprint with a great team effort leading her out.
Cari looking strong in the field.The rest of the first lap was a pretty easy pace with many teams not wanting to work in the wind. On the second lap, Leda’s fierce competitiveness introduced itself to the women’s peloton. She attacked in the hills and that was the last we saw of her that day. Leda took one Colivita-NM girl with her and had three other girls in a hot pursuit. Luckily, Colavita-NM couldn't stay with Leda and quickly made her way back to the main peloton. To the benefit of Dairyland, Clare was in the group of three pursuing Leda. So, the group of three “chasing” was really only two girls chasing and Clare sitting in. Cari and Kate controlled the main peloton, chasing down any potential bridgers and prevented the chase group from organizing. As it ended up, Leda was long gone and ended with a lead of several minutes. Clare saved enough energy in the chase group to take the sprint for 2nd place. In the main field, Kate practiced leading Cari out to win the sprint for the main field nabbing 5th place.
America’s Dairyland ended up 1st, 2nd, 5th, and 12th.
Clare, she just finished applying some Lip Smackers... or waving to the crowd...Stage 3—Circuit Race
Going into this morning’s 7 lap, 39 mile circuit race, Leda had a comfortable lead of about 4 minutes. Clare was in third place—only 32 seconds down from second place. Our goal today: get Clare into 2nd place overall. In order to do this Missy devised the PLAN. Cari and Kate were to control the field for the first 3 laps. At 3 laps, there was a sprint time bonus and Clare needed this bonus to claw her way to 2nd place overall. All was good and the lead out went as planned. Their lead out was so good, Clare and Leda had a gap from the field… which was enough to work with for the rest of the race. Cari patrolled the first chase group and Kate patrolled the main field. To wrap up today, Dairyland came out on top. 1st Clare, 2nd Leda, 3rd Cari, and 11th Kate.
Going into this morning’s 7 lap, 39 mile circuit race, Leda had a comfortable lead of about 4 minutes. Clare was in third place—only 32 seconds down from second place. Our goal today: get Clare into 2nd place overall. In order to do this Missy devised the PLAN. Cari and Kate were to control the field for the first 3 laps. At 3 laps, there was a sprint time bonus and Clare needed this bonus to claw her way to 2nd place overall. All was good and the lead out went as planned. Their lead out was so good, Clare and Leda had a gap from the field… which was enough to work with for the rest of the race. Cari patrolled the first chase group and Kate patrolled the main field. To wrap up today, Dairyland came out on top. 1st Clare, 2nd Leda, 3rd Cari, and 11th Kate.
The team enjoying the Tucson morning sun after a sweet, sweet win! :) We all think Leda looks great in yellow.
Weekend Overall GC.
We had a great weekend, making a plan—and communicating to execute the plan. Our team used team tactics and worked together to get the overall win, second, fifth and eleventh places.
We had a great weekend, making a plan—and communicating to execute the plan. Our team used team tactics and worked together to get the overall win, second, fifth and eleventh places.
Our Host family! Thank you so much for sharing your beautiful house with us!
2 comments:
AWESOME job at the race! Can't wait to finally meet everyone on Friday :)
Excellent...smithers....
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