I have just returned from Trexlertown, Pennsylvania where I competed in my first UCI track races. I had 3 top-10 finishes in a field that was stacked with great riders. Both the men’s and women’s fields boasted World Champions and Olympians. The racing was definitely the most exciting and competitive track racing that I’ve been a part of.
Here are the details of some of my races:
Points Race (UCI): 7th place
The 36 lap points race had sprints every 6 laps that went 4 places deep (5, 3, 2, 1 points for the first 4 riders across the line each sprint). With 12 laps remaining in the race, I attacked and got away from the field solo. I came within a straightaway of lapping the field until a sprint lap got the group going and the chase began. I heard the announcer say that if I caught the field, I would win the race but with only a third of a lap left in the race I got caught by some riders and ended up 7th with 5 points.
Keirin (UCI): 7th place
The Keirin is a sprint race in which a group is motorpaced behind a motorbike for about 4 and a half laps of the 333 metre track. The motor brings the riders up to about 45 km/h before pulling off the front. After that, it’s a drag race to the finish.
In the semi finals, I placed 4th, just one place out of making the finals. Then I raced the 7th through 12th race and won, placing 7th overall.
Scratch Race (UCI): 9th place
The 5km scratch race is basically a race to the finish line – first across the line wins. With World Champion Sprint medalist, Jennie Reed in the race, it came down to a fight for her wheel. With a lap and a half to go in the race, I found myself in the perfect position for a podium finish – on Jennie’s wheel! Things got pretty aggressive and I backed off and let someone take it from me. I lost some momentum and sprinted in for a 9th place finish. In the unforgiving, high speed sport of track cycling, a slight error can cost you a race and this was a good reminder of that.
The track in T-Town is definitely the hotbed of cycling in North America and I can’t wait to go back for my next race there on July 7, the “International Women’s Challenge”, where women’s racing will be the featured event of their Friday night race series.
In the meantime, I’m on my way to the Nature Valley Grand Prix Stage race in Minneapolis, Minnesota. It’s part of the “Women’s Prestige Race Series” and the 150 rider field limit is at capacity. I can’t remember seeing a women’s field of that size in North America. It is going to be a good race! Racing starts Wed, June 14 and goes until Sun, June 18. Stay tuned!
Thanks to my sponsors and teammates at team R.A.C.E. for your support. Happy riding!
Julia
Pictures from racing in T-Town can be found here:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/lehighvalleyvelodrome/sets/72157594156599753/
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