Plain and simple, the Exergy Tour is the best race I have
ever been to. For the first time, I felt
treated like a male cyclist. We were treated like royalty. It was a real honor
to race in Boise and represent my NOW Cycling team.
The Prologue
started off the Tour. A 2 mile “race of
truth”; each person against the clock going as fast as possible. The course went up around the Boise Depot and
was filled with spectators. It was really fun. I suffered as much as possible
to finish 7th (I think).
Stage
1 started and finished in Nampa. It was the “flat” stage. Thought “flat”
doesn’t describe it well, it ended in sprint finish that during the last 100
meters I actually thought I was going to win—until the real sprinters went
flying by. I finished 5th and as a team, we raced really well.
Stage
2 was the true “race of truth”; a 10 mile mostly flat Time Trial. With Kurt in
my ear over the radio, pushing me harder and harder into the pain cave, I
finished 7th(I think). Honestly, I was disappointed with 7th
place, but that was the best I could have possibly ridden. Kudos to those who
beat me.
The
Queen stage was our 4th race of the tour. It climbed over 2 mountain
passes and more than 4,000ft. We (NOW) missed the break of the day, so had to
do some chasing. It paid off as I was able to finish 8th on the day
and maintain my 6th overall GC.
Stage
4 was the hardest race of the tour. At only 46 miles, it was a lion dressed in
a teddy bear costume as we climbed more than 3,000 ft in 2 hours. The race was
hard but the spectators were fantastic. I have never done a race with so many
cheering fans. It was super fun. It was
also a good day for the team as I was able to move into 5th overall
and finish 6th on the stage.
I
mention my results a lot, but I couldn’t have done it with my teammates and
staff. Bike racing is a team sport where only one person gets the “limelight”.
I might be in the limelight, but my team is right behind me. Bring on the next
race.
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