Philadelphia Classic

The first time I raced Philly (2010), I crashed out, had 3 flats, and a major concussion.  I didn't finish but loved the scenery, the course, and the atmosphere so much I told the race organizer I'd be back.  (Which really wasn't necessary but my brain had been sloshed around a bit in the accident).

The second time I came back to win the Queen of the Mountain title after riding the majority of the race off the front (2011).

2013 was my third year at Philly.  And the first since having watched the entire series of Rocky movies.  Which made the whole experience even cooler.

All of Philly comes out to watch the race. It's a huge party around the 12 mile course.  I got a picture with these fans after the race.  The girl's pink tanktop made me laugh

This is the first edition where the race starts and finishes on the top of Manayunk Wall, a 17% grade climb.  I like finishes like that.  We raced five 12-mile laps.  Before completing the first one, BAAAM.  My front tire EXPLODED.  Bad timing.  I wanted to be up at the front of the pack to score QOM points.  I lost that hope.  Our car was so far back in the caravan that I was scared that I wasn't even going to get back to the peloton.  I got the quickest wheel change of my life and raced back.  By the top of the climb, and 8 burnt matches later, I was back in the race, hoping I didn't blow my chances for a decent result with that effort.

I scored some QOM points on the next climb, and several after.  Not enough to win the title, but enough to get second place.  Especially when it's second to German Claudia Hausler, it doesn't feel so bad.

HERE WAS OUR RACE PLAN:
Katheryn Donovan and I were supposed to get in an early break in the beginning of the race.  Maura Kinsella and Alexis Ryan were supposed to chase down and cover the other stuff, and ride aggressively (they launched some really nice attacks!)  Alison Powers and Robin Farina were supposed to "save it" for towards the end and go for the win.

A break never got away and stayed.  It was always brought back sooner than later.  On the last lap, Alison Powers attacked, which was a great idea, to try to get away solo to have a head start, and beat everybody up the last Manayunk Wall climb.  A great attempt, and a wise move. But, she was reeled in by the other teams as the finish neared.  Maura Kinsella made a strong counter attack, giving it her all for the team, and making our competition chase again.  I let myself get shuffled a bit too far back during their chasing, I came through the chicane at the bottom of the hill a little too late.  Robin, our other rider to go for the win placed herself well and started the climb up front.

I darted around and ahead of girls fighting up the Wall, finding the balance between "my own pace" and "emptying the tank" too early.

The tenacity paid off and I finished in 6th place, in the middle of some of the best riders in North America, and the world.  I'm really happy.  My legs felt good.  My best finish at Philly ever.  Things are coming along nicely...
Thanks to racing across the intermediate sprint line FIRST on all of the laps but the last one, Alison Powers was awarded the sprint title, a literally big cheque, and a Liberty Bell replica as a trophy.  NICE!

Next big race: The Canadian National Championships in St. Georges, Beauce, Québec.