Although Colorado's weather may say differently, another cold, off-season has come and gone. The road season is now upon us.
Valley of the Sun is only a week away. With snow on the ground here and the forecast in Phoenix heating to the mid 80's, we will see a drastic change in climate. Being from Colorado and training here all winter creates a huge handicap for racers who are looking to have a good spring. We are stuck inside or have to be tough and ride when it's 35 degrees outside.
This will be my second time racing Valley of the Sun. This year is an opportunity to redeem myself from last year. Bronchitis, a word any athlete never wants to hear or even see. Last year, the sickness grabbed me and literally pulled me from the race. But now is no longer a time to focus on the past.
My development through the years has finally seen me, according to USA Cycling, become an "adult" racer. No longer able to race in the juniors, I can turn my attention 100 percent towards racing with the 3's and hopefully the 2's. Adult racing is much different than junior racing. When a junior race has great turnout, such as Valley of the Sun, or Nationals, they function a lot more nervous and jumpy. As racers progress through the adult ranks, they tend to calm down. Everyone there is about the same level as you. Often, 3's and 4's races are races of attrition. The fastest one left will win. The more experienced the group, the longer it stays together. At large junior races, including Valley of the Sun, the 17-18 year old junior group will usually contain many guys who are already 1's and 2's. These races are often much more difficult than the 4's or even the 3's. Surely, the dynamic of this race will change and I look forward to it.
I will be traveling out with my team again this year. We have less racers this year making the trek to Phoenix, but are still going to make the most of it. We will be spending the week together, renting a house, having fun, and racing our bikes.
I am flying out next week and looking forward to the new competition and the time with my team.
Look forward to some updates about my travels, races, and maybe we'll see a blog from some of our other teammates in the coming weeks.
