Jeremy's Roubaix: Race Review

The biggest reoccurring theme this weekend seemed to be "There's a first time for everything". First time on a ferry, first time travelling to a race, first time staying in Vancouver, first race in BC, first race in cat 3, the list goes on.

I went into the race feeling fairly well prepared. I was well rested and was putting out good numbers before my rest week. After a fairly decent warm-up, I went to the start line. I was a tad late so I was forced to start at the back, not the ideal position but I was told there was a neutral roll-out so the idea was to make up a couple spots before the race started.

Neutral roll out lasted about 100 meters.

Twenty seconds into the race I was hitting almost 900 watts just to stay in the mix.

By 4km I'd hit 900 watts seven times. A gap opened up in front of me. I put in an effort but the gap which was surprisingly big. It took me three minutes at an average of 430 watts to close the gap, which is about the same time as the break went and the group sped up to chase. I was in the draft of 40 riders, doing 600 watts, getting shot out the back like I wasn't even pedalling. Turns out doing a cat 1/2/3 race in a province that's generally faster than your home province as your first cat 3 race isn't a fantastic idea. I'd gotten dropped less than 8 minutes into a ninety-something kilometre road race.

I rode around the course for another hour and forty-five minutes. Telling myself that if a break goes and I've been going hard enough, I might be able to get back on. Wishful thinking I know, but when you're wet, a bit cold, and was dropped 8 minutes into a race, a bit of wishful thinking goes a long way. About 52.5km to be exact. That's when I got lapped by the break, sat up, and decided when I finish the lap I was going to go to the parking lot and get my croissant. There's a first time for everything, including voluntary DNFs.

The ride home

On the ferry ride home I had a bit of time to think, and as much as I'm let down with my result, my numbers were fairly decent, I found out I need to train for those really punchy "700 watts out of every corner" efforts, I got another kick in the teeth showing me just how much stronger I need to get to be competitive at the top level (yes, that's a good thing), and technically, since I got a DNF, I didn't break my streak of getting on the podium of every categorized race I've ever entered.

One week until I race again, I have some work to do.

Stay cool internet ;)