Nature Valley Recap:Day 1 St.Paul
Rain, Rain and more Rain. As we parked, warmed up, and previewed the course, it just rained.
As we approached the line, and the official was readying us, it dumped. Bam!!! Off we went like a herd of desperate cattle in a stampede, looking for cover. One big attack on the front kept this race strung out and blown to pieces. Favorites like Van Gilder found themselves standing on the sideline as the race officials weened the course of riders. In the end, it was a wash (no pun intended). The stage was chalked up a non-qualifying stage. With lapped riders in the chase group, many non-lapped riders standing on the sidewalk watching, the officials had no choice but to wash their hands of this stage, and begin a new the next day.
I can say one thing, the time bonus, and the HUGE time gap that Kristen had on the field, as well as, Brooke Miller, it was a shame that they were not rewarded in some fashion for their stellar efforts.
Gals-What is your individual takes on this race?
One Comment, Comment or Ping
I didn’t care for the downhill start, especially since the fastest were on the front and were around the corner and flying before those of us in the back had even moved our bikes. To have such a tremendous gap to close from the get-go was quite disheartening and I’m not sure I could have closed it even with a dry course. It was the one time where a flat or a minor crash might have been a benefit in order to get put back into the race. That being said, I was truly awestruck watching Armstrong lap the field. She made it look effortless and demonstrated why she was the Olympian.
Jun 25th, 2008
Reply to “Nature Valley Recap:Day 1 St.Paul”
You must be logged in to post a comment.