Grand Prix Cycliste Gatineau

Date: June 2nd and 3rd
Race: UCI Road Race and UCI Time Trial
Location: Gatineau, Quebec, Canada
Rider(s): Emily and Sarah

The race was a beautiful course 110km through Gatineau Park for two laps of climbing and then down into town for 5 laps of a quick and flat circuit.  The field was UCI level and stacked with riders from around the globe.  Emily and I guest rode on the Selection de la Region Capitale Nationale team - a composite team made up of two local Canadians, a New Zealander, our peppy little sprinter, and the old lady of the crew (that would be me).  We had a very pro set up with our host team for the weekend with a full support crew of feeders, mechanics, DS, drivers, etc.  The West of Quebec Wheelers know how to make this race amazing, and we were lucky to be a part of their family for a few days.

The race set out at a nice and steady pace.  Getting up the climbs on the first lap seemed a little easy - it's amazing how a peloton of 80 riders can just pull you along.  When we started the 2nd lap, you could tell that the group was a bit more antsy.  When we hit the bottom of the big climb on lap two, the matches were lit.  Unfortunately, despite good positioning, I was caught behind a crash right at the base of the climb and lost touch with the front end of the field.  

When I finally got to the top of the climb and began the chase, I realized that I was surrounded by a good number of riders, including my teammates.  So, we worked hard together for the rest of the race, pushing the pace and trying to reel in riders we saw in front of us.  Unfortunately, we got pulled with one short lap of the circuit to go and weren't given finishing places.  

The next day was the Chrono Gatineau time trial.  Thanks to space legs, arnica, and Emily's amazing massage skills - I actually managed to have some legs and gas left in the tank for the race.  It was a tough course - with a lengthy 8% climb up to the turn around in Gatineau Park and then a screaming race back into the city center.  My legs were screaming throughout the entire race (especially the climb), but the cowbells and screaming coming from my chase car kept me going - even when I was shaking my head, "NO!!!"  

I finished hard and was pleased to average over 22 mph for the course.  And, even more pleased to have not finished last!  

Another thanks to our Canadian friends... we hope to see you again next year!  

Result: Sarah - 37th in the Time Trial

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