#250: MSGP twilight crit
Tonight was the first stage of the Mississippi Gran Prix. About 75 lined up to race the new 6-corner course. On the pre-ride, it was clear that it was a fast course. The group didn’t disappoint.
I started back row so I spent the first 20 minutes moving up and covering gaps that people were leaving as they popped. I was able to settle in somewhat as it got dark and continued to move up as the field reduced in number. I would guess 40 finished and I was somewhere around 30th.
Here are some stats to tell the story.
- Time: 59:44
- Distance: 27.1 miles
- Speed: 26.6 mph
- Avg power: 344W (although I left it on “smart record” from when my SRM was off the bike… so the data metrics are a bit messed up). NP = 331W (this due to the smart recording–does not make any sense)
- Laps were about 0.7 mile (39 laps?)
Tomorrow is the 75 mile RR and the 4 mile TT. Both are likely to involve some rain. I am glad the rain stayed away tonight, in the dry the course was actually a pretty fun course… The pace was bit stout, but I made it.
In the end, three were off the front (as I found out from MV teammates watching the race, I wasn’t close enough to the front to see that develop). Given the talent in the field, I am not ashamed. I am continueing to progress, maybe I can be a position to work the front of the race next year as a Cat 2. For now, I will just keep on working on it.
