04/12/2017
In 2003, Nationals were in Hamilton, Ontario. It was sort of a preview for Worlds, being held there later that year.
It was here that I learned a painfully late lesson on "anger management." And lost a medal that could have been mine, had I not lost my cool.
I was aggressive from the gun, as I usually do better in races that are fast from the gun. After a few attempts, I wasn't able to get away. After I was caught, the winning break of 3 powerhouses launched their move. I was driven (very optimistically) to try to bridge the gap. One rider came with me, but she wouldn't do anything. She wouldn't pull through at all. I don't usually say much in a race, but I turned to her and said "do you only want to race for 4th? If we drill it now, we might just make it across."
She shook her head and said nothing. I was so angry. So frustrated. She and I stayed away. Well, I stayed away with her on my wheel.
Coming into the bell lap, I let my anger get the better of me. I figured, 4th or 5th....who cares. I didn't even bother sprinting.
What my emotional decision did was possibly lose a bronze medal. As we approached the last corner, one of the riders from the break had crashed. Leaving 3rd spot on the podium for the Quebec rider, or me.
If only I had raced to the finish line.......lesson learned. I picked a helluva time to let my anger get to me.
Race your bike until it's over. Because you never know what's in the cards if you quit.