2022 Suisun Harbor Crit - Men’s Cat P12

Race: 2022 Suisun Harbor Crit - Men’s Cat p12

Date: Aug 14, 2022

AVRT racers: Cameron O’Reilly, Andrea Cloarec

Top Result: Andrea (17/45)

Course: Simple 4-corner and super flat course (https://www.strava.com/segments/621954). 

And very hot, 102 F under the sun..

Strava: https://www.strava.com/activities/7639330587

Nutrition: One 500ml bottle with Maurten 320 (not enough…)

Recap: 

It was quite a big field with 45 riders and the big teams here in a very fast course, position would be super important

Cam started the first 15 minutes at the front, setting a very high pace, while I was sitting at the end of the peloton, saving energy.

From 15’ I decided to move up, it took me 7-8 laps just to get to the top 10 wheels, just when they rang the bell for the preem. So I decided to give it a go, no one really fought for it, and I got the 10 USD preem..! With a good effort haha

Laps keep going, I stay around the 20th position, focusing on my fuel and corners. 

Every mistake costs a few positions, and gaining a few positions back costs a lot of power and energy.

From 25’ I start to feel SUPER thirsty. I made the mistake of taking just one bottle with Maurten 320, 80g in 500ml, that’s super dense and not hydrating at all. Next race I’ll definitely have a second bottle of just fresh water.

35’, I need water, but I still have 15 laps to go.

So I did not take any risk as I knew I couldn’t fight for top position, as I didn’t have the power, I was too dehydrated.

I just wanted to finish, focusing on my lines, not having any crash.

So I finished the race at the back of the first group, 17th. Over 45 riders starting, and only 30 finishing the race.

Quite happy for my first race in the p12 field, as I didn’t feel any lack of power or fitness. I’ll just need to keep racing, building experience.

And can’t wait to race with other AV members in this field as we start to build a strong team able to compete with the other big teams of California!

Next stop next weekend, San Ardo and University Road Races.

See you!

Andrea