#2: Reflecting on Last Season and Looking Forward To Next Season

The off season brings a sudden letdown from the excitement and hectic nature of training and racing. Because of this, it gives me time to reflect on the past season’s successes and failures, and also reminisce about the fun times I had on two wheels. It also allows me to relax both physically and mentally. As hard as it is to take time off of riding, I have to keep reminding myself that it will pay off when I’m in the middle of next season.

This past season was a big step up for me in every way. My training changed a lot, and I was thrown right into the thick of the action at the biggest UCI race in the US, Bonelli. It was my first time competing at the Elite UCI level, and I'll honestly say that it was terrifying. The speed of the start, and the chaos of racing against 100 people was very different from everything I experienced. Initially, I felt as though I didn't belong there. However, I was able to make good progress, both in terms of results and in terms of my own feelings, over the season at each UCI race I did. I felt more comfortable at every race I started. I think that all my hard work came together at Nationals and I was able to put in a race I was really proud of. Getting thrown in the deep end may have been brutal, but I think it was the best way to get faster. 

My favorite race of the season was Breck Epic. I’ve never been pushed harder mentally during my life. At times, I felt like I was in a black hole. My world revolved around pedaling as hard as I could for hours each day, and the routine was relentless. Some of the stages and the whole race itself often felt never-ending. However, it was such an incredible experience, and I'm so happy I took the risk and decided to race! I rode some of the best trails in the country, and pushed myself well beyond what I thought were my limits. I had the opptrounity to race against some of the top riders in the country, and for the first time all season at the elite level, felt like I was truly a part of the race. 

Outside of racing, I was lucky to ride in some incredible places over the course of the season! Some of my favorite memories will be of meeting new people and going to places I never thought I’d go on two wheels. I am incredibly fortunate to have had the opportunity to ride and race in Spain, California, British Columbia, Quebec, and Colorado (and New England, of course). Everywhere I went, I realized how universally amazing the MTB community is. Racers and riders, even the top pros, were welcoming and friendly to a relative newcomer like me. I made lifelong riding friends in Spain, and got to experience what racing is like in a different culture. The times spent exploring new places and meeting new people were the memories that will probably stick with me the longest. 

Last season, I learned a lot about racing, but the most important thing I learned was about myself and my physiology. I realized that I have a really good diesel engine. I’m not explosive -- something that is required to race successfully in the UCI XC circuit. I spent all last season working on my explosiveness, and I couldn't continue to make incremental improvements, but Breck Epic made me realize that my diesel engine is a huge asset and I should really concentrate on honing it. Breck Epic also provided a different challenge that I really enjoyed (OK - it might have been type 2 fun some of the time). After weighing my options, including an opportunity in the XCO realm, I realized that I had to follow my heart and concentrate on my strengths. I think that there is a lot of opportunity in the marathon/stage race/gravel realm, and that I can make it to the top if I really work to develop myself in that realm even more. Within the US, the Epic Rides series, gravel races, and stage races such as Breck Epic, are booming because they offer exciting, challenging courses, a good atmosphere, and good prize purses. Because of my strengths and the opportunities in that realm, I decided, with the help of a few really important mentors, including my coach, to focus on that side of racing going forward. Some people have already reacted to my decision like I am crazy, and, to be honest, I have found myself questioning my decision solely because of what other's think of it. It's hard for people to understand why you'd turn down an offer like the one I had since they do not see the full picture. I guess one could compare it college admissions; in the U23 racing world, my decision amounted to turning down admission to Harvard for a smaller, lesser known school. However, life isn't only about the jersey you wear, especially if that jersey doesn't fit and isn't going to help you pursue the path that will bring you the most longterm success and fulfillment. I knew it’d be risky turning down the opportunity in the UCI XCO arena, but I also know that I have a much better shot of developing into a top-tier elite racer in the longer races, and that, in the US, there is more opportunity to compete past the U23 ranks in those races. I want my  career to grow past the U23 ranks. I do not want to reach the end of this age group and be suddenly stuck with no options ad no plan. This does not mean I’m totally stopping all XCO races; rather, I’ll be doing the opposite of what I did this year: focussing on longer events and competing in XCO events secondaily.

I’m really looking forward to racing some of the coolest events in North America! To help me get there, I’m building a privateer program with the support of a few sponsors. I’ll be travelling around mostly in the Rockies and the west coast. It won’t be easy trying to run my own program, but I’m looking forward to the challenge! Having to write sponsorship proposals, try to market myself, and coordinate racing logistics are experiences that I believe will help in the long-run outside of racing as I pursue a career within or outside the bike industry. I am also hoping that the program will grow with me and as I work my way up the ladder and establish more connections within the racing community and bike industry.   

My next major race is not for another 6 months, but between now and then, there will be a lot of hours spent planning, pedaling, foam rolling, stretching, and lifting so I’m ready to go at the first start line!

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