This last Saturday March 24, I raced the UVU road race. It was my first time wearing my new teams jersey so I wanted to do my best and prove to these guys that I was worth of being called a member of the "Church of the Big Ring". The team set up a nice plan pre-race in which I would attack on the climb and those who had the energy after leading me out on the climb would attempt to stay with the break way. Riding with a team was a whole lot more enjoyable that having to ride unattached like I have done in previous years and races. Plus the COTBR has a very respectable reputation and is know for consisting of a team of hard workers who aren't afraid to take their turn on the front. The peloton stayed together until we hit the base of the climb it was at that moment that everyone got into position and the hammer was dropped. My teammates launched several hard attacks on the peloton breaking it up a bit. Once all of my team members had done all they could to get a gap on the peloton it was my turn to climb like a mad man. It was a grueling climb that seemed like it would never end. I went so hard that at the top of the mountain I honestly felt like I was going to throw up. However, even after summating I knew that there was no time to lose or waste recovering because 30+ riders were aching to get back in the race. We started what turned out to be one of the most intense descent's of my life it was 9 miles of pure adrenaline. My gears were completely spun out and all I could do to stay with the break way was remain in the aero position. We then proceeded to play cat and mouse for the remaining 20 miles of the race were one person would launch a big attack and then everyone would react. I launched 2 attacks in an effort to try and wear out the 3 sprinters that caught us on the decent because I knew that there was no chance of beating them with 300 meters to go. When we finally saw the 1 mile to go sign things started to get tense and pushy. The speed increased and so did the stakes we were all exhausted and knew that this was still anyones race. With 1/4 mile remaining I got into a big gear and prepared myself for the pain that was soon to come. When I went to sprint I felt two Charlie horse of the worst kind start in each of my calves and work there way into the backs of my knees. Just when I thought I couldn't take the pain any longer I cross the finish line. I finished 3rd in my category and 7th overall. Aside from the gnarly sunburn, I think I made my team proud and feel like I rode a solid race. It was a great event and I look forward to riding it next year.Cheers, Tate
53:11
This is my garmin info from the race and a few pictures that I snapped off my iphone.
