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| Zappos Cedar City Grand Prix |
We were 4 women strong at the Zappos Cedar City Grand Prix. Lindsay Fox gave me a stellar ride into the start-finish straight, and I won the early sprint point.
I found myself in an early break with Tibco, Colavita, and United Health Care. Not my cup of tea! If I wasn't in trouble before Powers and Rivera bridged up to the break, I certainly was the second the two of them blew by me and drilled it at the front.
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That was the beginning of the end for me, but Lindsay, Alison, and Laura all did a fantastic job and finished the race strong.
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Two days later, we were very lucky to have Olympian and former Word Champion Amber Neben join our ranks for the ToUWE circuit race at the Larry H. Miller Motorsports Park. As you might expect, she was the most aggressive rider out there and very well marked. Amber was off the front trying to make things happen all race long.
In the end, the field stayed together. With 1 lap to go (still 2.2 miles from the finish), the jockeying for position began. Holding position on this course was especially difficult as it was windy and the course had so many loops and turns. You could be in perfect position one second, and in just about the worst position possible the next. I found myself boxed-in, riding in gravel trying to get out to clear line as the sprint was starting. Managed a 20th place in the sprint finish.
If the ToUWE wasn't tough enough, Alison and I stuck around to race the Chase Pinkham Memorial Race. Although our legs revolted, we were happy to be a part of two great events that day and to honor our fellow racer, Laura's nephew, Chase Pinkham.
A very special thank you to some very special folks: awesome hosts and race volunteers Brandon and Joey, Alex Kim and Nicky Wangsgard for all their hard work making these races happen, support staff Norm Frye and Matt Rossman, and a special shout out to a few of our sponsors who provided goodies and helped make the race possible: SKINourishment, Paceline Projects, the best bar tape, cages, and saddle bags from Arundel, Arnicare and Pactimo. Last, but certainly not least... Kathy Kim, photographer extraordinaire! Please check out her work here: www.cottonsoxphotography.com. and on Facebook!
To conclude our recap, some thoughts from Lindsay, Laura and Amber!
"I am very grateful for the support given by SKINourishment p/b Paceline Projects to have the opportunity to compete in both Tour of Utah races. Not only were the races well organized and exciting, but being part of a big stepping stone to have women's races as part of these large tours in the near future was incredible. I had the chance to talk with some spectators after the race and all they kept talking about was how exciting our race was... that's always great to hear :) Also, a big thanks to Arundel for the saddle bags... honestly the best bag out there in my opinion:)" -Lindsay
"I forgot my sunblock. My nose was so burned, and the rest of my face was really pink. I used my SkinNourishment sample, and I was so much better the next day. Dramatically better. Pretty cool stuff. (I've had a melanoma, so I shouldn't be doing stupid stuff like getting sunburned. But when I do, it's nice to know there is a product that can help me heal.)" -Amber
***Yes, Kat feels guilty about Amber got a sunburn in the first place. She forgot to tell everyone she had brought Climb On! Mineral Sunscreen with her.... : / *
"It was a privilege to race in both the Cedar City Grand Prix and the Women's Tour of Utah with 60+ of the strongest women in the country. The events were a celebration of powerful and dynamic women's racing, hosted in great venues, with lots of enthusiastic fans. Our team made an impact on these great races. We look forward to more growth for the events and women's cycling in general." -Laura
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