Sunday, October 17, 2010

First Win in Baboco Cycling Team Kit

There's something special about winning in clothing that is attached to good people.  I have been lucky enough over the years to have that special feeling quite a few times.  And again i had that feeling yesterday, when  I won my first race for Baboco Cycling Team.  It was a small race but, as they say, a win is a win!

The course was a combination of long gradual uphill pavement, millions of muddy s-turns, a mini mud bump and sand pit, finishing on a fast grass descent. With the high winds, it seemed best to ride in a group but i knew that if i rode in a group i'd have no chance of winning and possibly not even podium thank to my (not so) glorious sprinting skills.  So when the gun announced our departure, I immediately worked hard to get to the front. After an ok start, i found myself in fourth place heading into the first set of S-turns.  I tried to already start making my way to the front but i found out the hard way  - - after having to slam on my brakes - those S's stand for "single file only."

Luckily the extended gravel descent was next up. There i passed the gals until I was in the lead, then slowly worked on building a gap.  At one point, they were looking like they were on top of me but i kept the pressure, extended the gap and it paid off with a win.

It may not have been a big race but it felt satisfying nonetheless. I got an excellent workout in, made a bit of pocket change, got a trophy and flowers (that I immediately handed over to Jonas' mom) and had the chance to finish ahead of gals who were kicking my ass this year.

On top of that, it was a very special feeling to work well with Jonas in our pre-race routine.  He is now at the point where he's wisely choosing my tires and tire pressure, and even my undergarments so i am best suited for the elements. 
Yesterday was also the first win i had on Concap nutrition supplements. I just started taking a couple of weeks ago.  Thanks Concap!

(podium shot by Jonas; other photos by Kris Claeyé)

6 comments:

erikv said...

Congrats! A good start, for sure.

Amy said...

Congratulations! I am so pleased for you, that is great news! Love the pics!

Anonymous said...

Jonas, Good on you for handling the pressures, there are many. Congrats Champ!
Don

Anonymous said...

Great work Christine!!!
Love the victory celebration picture :)

Anonymous said...

Christine, is there a clincher CX tire that you have used that, in your experience, is effective in the sand?

Thanks!

Tony
Miami, Florida

PEANUT said...

Hey Tony - I have been using tubular tires for many years now and use the Grifo XS tire with great success. But when i used clincher sand tires, i went with Michelin Sprint which is not called the Michelin Jet. This is the one i recommend. it is also great for dry courses. hope this helps!