Welcome to Comp

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Originally uploaded by dcallaway07

Well, I am now officially a Comp rider following my debut race at Iola. I originally intended to race Sport until I obtained the elusive first place medal, but I felt good during the WEMS race last week and decided Comp would be a better fit. I still dread the ski hill courses on an unbearably hot day, but for now I must admit that I enjoy being in Comp. The end result, 6th in age group and 32nd overall.

It was also my introduction to Team WORS. I learned the ropes of the behind-the-scenes setup and takedown process that allows Don to run the show. More importantly, I met other members of Team WORS, who are great people to work and ride with. I'm proud to be part of the posse.

Overall, I am surprised that I don't remember a lot of key moments in the race. The start definitely seemed more aggressive than Sport, but the hill early in the course helped thin things out. I was happy that most riders made use of the downhill to power up the next hill, which isn't always the case in Sport. Other than that, I just rode my own ride and found my place in the pack. I went back and forth with several guys, but things seemed to reach equilibrium pretty quickly. I made sure I drank water and the occasional Gu.

I thought it would be neat if I could hold off from being passed by the Lalonde brothers. I figured they had a 7 minute head start, so I just had to do 4 laps 7 minutes faster than they can do 5 laps. So if they did 20 minute laps, I could come in at 1:33. I got just under my mark, but so did they - so they got me with a couple minutes left to go. Frankly, it felt like an honor to be passed by the Elite men...it made me realize I was in the same race (albeit a different class) as some pretty amazing riders. They are truly impressive.