MSG #1 - Mixed feelings

Today was the start of the MSG cyclocross series at Domtar Park in Kingsport, TN. I give the location because Kingsport is supporting the cyclocross season in so many ways. The best way is the construction of a flyover in the park. They supplied all materials and such for it. It was my first flyover...and I liked it.

On top of that I would say the racing has stepped up a notch from last year. The CX3 field looked like it had about 20 guys, give or take one. So here is the quick race recap.

The start...I knew this was going to be a weak point, but I have to say I really disappointed myself. It took what seemed like minutes to get clipped in. So there I was on the back of the group. Trying to pass a guy or two at a time. I made it up to around 10th and by then the front group had left the place. I held 10th the rest of the way, and finished between one and two minutes down on the small group ahead.

Negatives. Obviously the start with clipping in. The first lap hurt a lot more than it should. But with not doing any intensity training for over 4 weeks, I'm not too upset.

Positives. I'm really happy with my dismount/remount. I got so close once that I hit my back tire on both barriers, but didn't slow down. This beats jumping off and running a 100 yrd dash every dismount. And my pacing was pretty spot on. Last but not least my handling was good. I think as the season goes on it will get better.

After next week I'll start putting in some intensity intervals. I think I'll copy what I did for cross last year since it went pretty well. My next cross race isn't for another 3 weeks, and then I'm racing every weekend until the NCCX UCI race. With this training plan I hope to be going better by the start of November. It'll be colder, I hope it'll be muddier, and I'll have been/be training harder. All those things seem to help.

Time for a cup of tea...

Special thanks to mom, dad, and sis for coming out to the race.