Race Report: [2022 La Verne Grand Prix - Women's P123]
Race: 2022 La Verne Grand Prix - Women's P123
Date: August 14th, 2022
AVRT racers: Gina Yuan
Top Results: Gina Yuan (6/15 Overall, 4/8 Cat 3)
Course: 50 minutes on a 3-4 minute loop. 7 non-technical corners on a wide road with good pavement. 2-3% uphill on the left side through T1/2. Consecutive T3/4/5—accelerating out of each corner was taxing over time. T6 and T7 dip through a chain-rattling gutter. Finish line ~150m after T7. Start/finishing stretch had a slight headwind but the rest of the course didn't feel as exposed. Hot (90°F/32°C).
Strava: https://www.strava.com/activities/7639324296
Nutrition: FROZEN WATER BOTTLE.
This was a very lively and exciting race dominated by the 4 Incycle Mamis riders and the former Romanian national road champion. An Incycle rider attacks on the second lap and I join a break with a L39ION rider and someone with a California state champion jersey. We rotate well, except the Incycle rider just waves us through. Two more join us, causing further disorganization. 10 minutes in, the field comes back together and an Incycle rider counterattacks hard, going solo. In the field, the remaining Incycle riders are all near the front—marking attacks, hanging out 2nd wheel, and disrupting the chase really well.
The Romanian champion tries to create a sense of urgency and is clearly disappointed that no one will chase, but I trust she will not lose a race like this. She proceeds to single-handedly close the gap, making us work for it by attacking and setting a ballistic pace on the uphills. 30 minutes in, one of those attacks splits the field and I'm on the wrong side. I do not want to lose like this, so I attack and attempt a solo bridge, hitting 195bpm during this painful lap but successfully catching up. The gap to the solo rider continues to fluctuate around 30 seconds. 4 laps to go, we finally see her. 2 laps to go, the field catches her and there's a counterattack with two riders including one from Incycle. Final lap, I'm digging deep to get in front of riders who might get dropped and trying to make up position before the final corner. Leaving T7, the field just about catches the two riders, and I sprint across the line for 6th overall.
It was super cool to watch the Romanian rider and the Incycle team dictate the race. They were not only so strong, but employed their power with intention to make everyone else hurt. Next time I race, I want to play the game with teammates! I'm happy with my result and for not giving up when it got hard. Thanks to Majestic Cycling for putting on the event and our Alto Velo sponsors for the continued support.
If you are interested in racing with AVWRT next year (all levels welcome), reach out to me or any other AVWRT member, and keep an eye out for our women's recruitment rides in late October.