Stampede Road Race DNF

Today was the Stampede Road Race north of Calgary near the town of Madden.

It was a hilly course & was my opportunity to see If I can stick with the big boys in Cat 1/2.

The race was unique in that riders aged 18-30 were pooled in the elite category regardless of what category of rider you were.

In essence the peoloton would be filled with Cat 1/2, 3, 4, 5 riders at least for the beginning!

The race started off at a reasonably slow pace & on the first hill climb a crash occurred at the front. Not sure how it happened however I was able to dodge it & continue the race. The wheel car stayed with the crash riders (not sure why but this plays a major factor in my race later!)

One speed theory teammate launched an attack off the front & had about 25-35metres so I decided to bridge & see how the legs felt for a quick attack.

Looking back I don't understand why I went so early again but I am still learning how to be disciplined in the peloton & am realizing this will take time.

After the pack caught us I heard a top gear rider say you boys have to do better than that! all in good fun & then we all integrated again on an uphill climb.

At that point I was sandwiched in betwen riders in all directions to enable a draft & unfortunately had to run over at least 3-5 large pot holes on the beat up road.

Before I could laugh at a comment made by a rider behind about the potholes are sure "clearly marked" (they weren't!) I noticed my back wheel was going flat. I began fishtailing & had to slow down & move to the side without disrupting any passing riders.

I pulled to the side of the road & noticed that both my front/back tires were flat.

Fu**!!!! I said & then looked in the distance to see a wheelcar no where in sight as I watched the group climb the next hill.

The wheel car eventually caught up & gave me 2 spare wheels & attempted to pace me back for 1/2 a lap.

He eventually had to leave me & drive up to the race as I was no longer a part of it.

I tried putting in a strong effort but upon passing the feedzone for the beginning of the 3rd lap Ashnoor said I was about 10-15 minutes down so i packed it in & watched passing riders on the side of the rode.

Congrats to Kyle/Trev for creating a 3 person breakaway & finishing in 2nd/3rd place!

For me it's back to more riding & hoping my schedule allows for the Tour De Bowness coming July 31st-August 2nd.