I
loaded my pockets with Clif gel shots with varying caffeine contents. I
stuck with the caffeine free vanilla variety in the end though. I'd
had enough java thanks to the generosity of the Edwards, Optum's host
family in Anniston.
 |
| The Edward's home, with Emma standing at the front |
Courteney, our Kiwi rider,
cranked it away from the peloton around 10km into the slightly
sub-100km race. Anna followed and the teamworked it over the rest of
the course. Sometimes it looked like the girls in our pack were going
to bring the break back. Especially at the beginning when the gap
seemed to hold steady at a weak 15 seconds. Jade, Emma, and I waited
patiently to counter attack if ever the break would be snuffed out.
Anna and Courteney were strong and tenacious though. The time increased
to 30", then 45", then 1'30", then...who knows. They were out of sight
and we didn't get any other information on their lead from the race
comissaire on the motorcycle.
We only had two
girls up the road, the race was far from over, and we needed the entire
podium painted in Optum Orange. With around 10 km to go, Jade attacked
on a long uphill, The peloton thathad held on up until this point
dragged her back. Then , BAM, I hammered my Look pedals, counter
attacking. Nobody followed, they were blown from covering Jade's
attack. I stayed away, solo time trialing to the finish to complete the
podium for the day. Mission accomplished. Good teamwork!
 |
| Foothills Road Race Podium. Courteny, Anna, and Lex |
We loaded into the team van and the Optum Acura TSX Sportwagon, heading straight
for Little Rock, AK where we will stay over the next few days. Thanks
to Rachel, Adrian, and Jeremy ( our DS, mechanic, and soigneur,
respectively) for stopping at my favorite restaurant in the world,
Chipotle, for supper on the road in Memphis, TN.
 |
| Emma and Courteney and the Optum Van |
Next race: Joe Martin Stage Race
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