Chicago Criterium

(Kristen in the final sprint. Joelle Numainville is on the right. Photo credit Ed White)

The team was back together again (minus Devon) for the Chicago Crit. What a cool race! Downtown Chicago, close to "The Bike Shop" with tons of cycling fans and friends lining the course. We saw a lot of people riding BH's! Word is getting out on how nice these bikes are. The women's field was small, 30-40 maybe? I felt pretty good and got in an early break with Ashley James from Kenda for a couple laps. Anne was at the front blocking for us, and I think it was Laura Van Guilder who closed it. Determined not to get boxed in, I was at the front at the end for the final 2 laps. Madeleine did a fantastic attack for a gambler's prime at 1 to go. She didn't get it but it helped position me for a bit until Kenda chased her down I still ended up at the front. On the final lap I was neck and neck with LVG, and no one wanted to lead it out. I wanted Laura (or anyone!) to come around me so I could get her wheel but that didn't happen and when we hit the final corner my instinct told me to go now! and I exploded first out of the corner. I knew it was early, but thought if I waited I'd get swarmed. "When in doubt--lead it out!" As it was I managed to hang on for 6th place. I felt given the circumstances I finished the best I could, and though I would have liked to have placed higher I was pretty happy with this result. Anne finished in the money and we rode well as a team and all had a great time crit riding through the streets of downtown Chicago. Joelle Numainville, a young Canadian from Kenda was able to outsprint Laura Van Guilder for the win.

-Kristen