I've raced 4 races this year and my results have been mediocre to poor. I've had bad starts, got dropped, flubbed barriers, DNFed. But yesterday was different....

When I stepped up to the start line and looked at all Cat 3 women (there were ~ 10 of us). I said to my friend, "Damn, doesn't look any slow chicks showed up today. This is going to hurt". I thought, too late now....I already paid my money and I have to race....please let me not finish last.

The whistle blew and I punched it. I was out in front, first mission accomplished. A little into the lap, 3 women overtake me. I tell myself to focus and hang on. A few barriers and another woman passes me., riding 5th and everyone else is well behind. Focus. Pass a woman, now riding 4th. A little back and forth, I'm 5th, I'm 4th, I'm 5th. I stay on the 4th women's wheel. We catch the women who is 3rd. I attack as hard as I can, 2 women left behind. Now I'm riding 3rd. I ask myself, "Was that smart?". I wasn't sure. Final lap. The Bell rings. Barrier run-up, I feel like I'm going to explode. All the spectators are screaming at me to attack, push, run. There are people screaming in Polish. I don't know what is going on. My vision is leaving me. Punch it, don't let them catch you. I sail into the finish, 3rd on the day. I slump over my bike and dry heave and wait for the vomit to come, it doesn't. I hack, cough and spit for the next 10 minutes. A little post race banter, and I'm off to change my clothes....and pick up my prize money. Yes, today I didn't suck.