Getting stronger daily, I lost a big chunk of fitness with the stomach bug after Cascade but I’m fresh now and very motivated to regain my strength in time for nationals.  Headed to Chicago this weekend for Downers Grove then it will be back to Boulder for a big block of training before road and time trial nationals in Greenville, SC.  This weekend will be quite a shock to the system, definitely a good jump start before Greenville though.

Well, kinda.  Back on the bike and while not exactly tearing up the roads I am finally able to get some decent rides in. Back to back days of 4 hr mountain rides with intervals on the agenda.  Two weeks until national criterium champs and just under 4 weeks until road nationals.  Hope that the form continues to come around.  Two weeks of minimal riding and a weight loss of 8 pounds.  Not exactly the best prep for nationals.  On the plus side I’ve been getting some sweet rides in on Liz’s 1961 . So much fun, especially when we are able to go out together.

Turns out that stomach parasites are a great way to lose weight.  Problem is that I was already pretty skinny going into Cascade.  Unfortunately it seems that my power has managed to disappear as well.  Been able to get out for short rides the past few days, just cruising along at 25 kph feels like an effort. Got passed by a student on a mountain bike yesterday.  Then by an old guy with full panniers.  Demoralizing to say the least.  Amazing how quickly one can go from attacking Baldwin and Louder up a mountain to dreading climbing up the backside of Olde Stage Rd.  I’m halfway through the antibiotic course though and the stomach is feeling much better.  Should be back to full strength soon.

Laid out in Boulder right now instead of being able to rock the ttt with the team out in Altoona. Bummed to have missed going out to the race, I feel like the form that I had last week in Oregon was some of the best form that I’ve had in my life. Unfortunately I’ve picked up a nasty stomach bug, still waiting for the lab work but the doc thinks that most likely it is giardia. Started antibiotics for it today and will hopefully be back on the bike and able to pedal with some strength shortly.

On a personal note-I’ve always kept this blog purely about bike racing and training, however I’ve recently fallen in love and am extremely extremely happy. Her name is Liz and she is the most amazing girl that I have met and I feel like a very lucky person to have her in my life. I look forward to sharing my life with her and wanted to share with all the blog readers the happiness that I am feeling.

Pulled it off today thanks to a huge effort by the team. 5 laps of an undulating circuit with 4 sprints worth 15, 10, and 5 bonus seconds. First sprint came on lap 2 and as we figured they would the Toyota team kept control of the field until that point so that Baldwin would be able to have a shot at winning the time bonus. Dominguez was the final leadout man with Wherry sweeping Chris’ wheel. About a km out I was fighting with Wherry and rubbing elbows a bit to get Baldwin’s wheel. Ben Day put in a big early dig and caused a bit of panic in the Toyota train forcing them to up the pace earlier than they had wanted. Took advantage of the chaos and was able to sneak through a gap at the last second between Baldwin and Louder. Won the sprint with Baldwin not getting any time at all. So 28 seconds up on second place at that point and feeling confident. A lot of stress leading into that first sprint! From that point though it was straightforward, let a small break get up the road then control the pack. Toyota had put a lot of energy into that first sprint then came up with nothing to show for it, I think that took quite a bit out of their sails and they didn’t contest the subsequent sprints. The Navigator boys did a fine job of keeping the pace high while still allowing the break to float out front. We rode Rodriguez, Cooke, Brooks, and Van Ulden while allowing Day, Chadwick, and Lill to sit. On the last lap we began to up the pace and were able to bring back the break just before the final KOM, at that point Chaddy, Day, then Lill took over and drove the pace to prevent any serious attacks. Things were aggressive those last few km but I did my best to relax and follow the team. Maintaining confidence in your teammates is crucial in times like that. O’bee ended up taking the stage, I was content to play things safe and came across with Baldwin 3 seconds back. So! A big win for myself and for the team. Coming into the final day I knew that I had the strongest team in the race and after yesterdays performance now everyone else knows it as well! I’m feeling good and am looking forward to a relaxed week in Boulder. Going to be spending lots of time with my new love, Lucy.