Cyclocross has begun!

The new team BRM Kits came in on Friday, perfect timing for the opening OVCX weekend! I really like the new design, the long sleeve skinsuit looks even better but I couldn't race it in 90 degree weather unfortunately..

Mad Alchemy Embrocation is one of our sponsors. They have such a variety of embrocation, it is amazing!

So anyway, onto the races. Saturday was not a points race for the OVCX so it was a nice warm up race. They did starts by registration date and I was one of the last to register so it was last row in the 25 man field.. The course was really dry and dusty and super fast. My start really needs some work because I was not aggressive at all and was on the back of a long train and could see the leaders snaking around turns ahead. I tried to pass wherever the course opened up and then I noticed a problem with my chain. It popped off my rear derailer pulley and was grinding but I was still able to pedal. I tried to put it back on, but it just came off again so I just rode the rest of the race like that. I was really nervous about breaking my chain so I was taking it a little easy on the power and managed to move up to 6th. Not what I was hoping for, but still in the money and a good opener for Sunday.


Sunday was the first race of the OVCX and so there were a few more people, over 30 in the Elites. Again, it was a last row start for me but I was a bit more aggressive this time around. It still took me a while to move up, and only a few people were up the road from the main leaders group so the chase was on. I grouped up with my teammate Rob Kendall (who got 2nd on sat) and I would drive the power sections while he would lead the technical sections. We got a really good rhythm going and were gaining on the people up the road. We caught and passed 3rd and were gaining on 2nd. We got within 10 seconds away on the last lap... Rob gapped me in the last technical section and took 3rd while I rolled in behind at 4th. It was a tough chase and I was feeling better as the race went on. I'm feeling pretty strong right now and am happy to be finishing within 30 seconds of the leader but I know I still have a lot to improve on to be stronger. These races helped wake my body up and now it's hungry for the podium. I'm filled with motivation right now, it's going to be a great cross season!
Still waiting on some new parts for the focus so I used ol' white lighting this weekend. She's tired now.

Sadly I will have to take a little break before I can race cross again. This upcoming weekend is Collegiate Track Nationals in Indy, then it's Mtb Regionals in St. Louis, then finally UCI Cross Cincinnati!!! Then Mtb Nats in Tahoe, then completely free for cross and USGP UCI Louisville!

This next month is gonna be crazy...