Rus’s race report from Crested Butte

Here’s this week’s report: Crested Butte.

To start, my wish to race with the 19-29s wasn’t granted, as when I got my number plate I saw I was put in with the 50+. And since it was only about 30 minutes before the start I didn’t have time to try to convince the USA Cycling official on the category change. So it was what it was. I lined up with the 50+ group, watching six waves go off ahead of me, all well knowing we were hitting tight singletrack within a few minutes. Once we were off I took the lead about half way up the first hill, trying not to push too hard but at the same time get to the singletrack first. I passed a few younger riders before the singletrack but lined up behind a bunch of them as we entered. I was able to pick off some as we navigated the technical areas but tried to be patient and bide my time. Once we hit the open road I made a few more spots.

I knew I was riding well when I caught Stephen White from Vail and he told me he was leading the 40-49s. Hmmm, 1 hour in and I’m two minutes ahead of the 40s leader. Not bad. After four hours of racing I ended up winning my group by just a bit under 30 minutes. Top five fastest Cat 1 times, and I had to pass a bunch more guys than most of them. I feel like I’m getting set up for the Firecracker 50 just right.

Did my last set of VO2 max intervals this morning, let that settle in and time to bring my A game to Sunday’s national championships.

I’m ready: bring it.