Burlingame Criterium

By Alexis Alexander
Date: June 25, 2006
Category: Women 1/2/3
Teammates: Amy, Bri, Julie, Jenni, Eryn, Jamie, Stacy, Victoria, Tracey, Flavia, and Alexis.
Field Size: 57
Place: 3rd
Winner: Karen Brems, Webcor

The course consist of a long start/finish with two rights in through a chicane and a long sweeping right that leads to the start/finish. The wind was silent in some areas, but was noticeable riding through the backside of the course. My legs were feeling loose after racing the Pesky RR on Saturday. I got a great warm-up on the trainer and was ready to get the show on the road.

The team's focus was to be aggressive and lead out one of our sprinters for the finish. In addition, my personal goal was to stay at the front and cover dangerous attacks. We had eight primes and 40 minutes to race, so the pace was fast right off the bat. McGuire and Webcor were very active, but PABW Powered by TIBCO racers were clearly in contention. I wanted to test my legs and strength and go for a prime following Laura Charameda (McGuire), but I didn't have the explosive acceleration she has. Anyway, I sat in at the front and was feeling fresh. When I heard 2 laps to go the crowd was wild and cowbells were ringing. McGuire and Webcor started to organize their trains to lead out their sprinters and I found myself sitting fifth behind Amber Rais (Webcor). Entering the sweeper coming into the final stretch we all (Karen, Laura, Amber, and I) started sprinting. Karen and Laura had a gap and were racing each other for the win while Amber and I were duking it out for third. It was close, but as we approached the finish line I could see her wheel fading and I beat her to the line.

In closing, I love the course, spectators, and atmosphere. Also, I had fun racing with the team. Next up, July 2nd Criterium Championships (Vacaville, Ca).