I was extremely disappointed to see Watopia instead of the Innsbruck course Zwift discussed for Nationals. I had been practicing the course. I stated last year in an interview that I appreciated the jersey and looked forward to passing it on. I had planned on riding a lap of honor and letting the field go. (I expect a much larger turn-out this year than the 8 of us last year). I also considered racing the USA even if I had little chance of beating Claudi B. I kinda bailed on that idea when I saw the brutal long course at 60 km. Might I ride it just to see how the first lap would go? Still undecided. I am really slow after 90 minutes. Really bad. 45 minutes is about my race limit as far as decent wattage is considered.75 minutes is my absolute limit. This race will be about ten minutes short of two hours for me.
I raced the Vox Figure 8 course the week before nationals and did fairly well, winning my race. I wanted to see how I stacked up against the other champs, most of which are at a higher level. (and yes, some who finished 5th in their race were faster than me apples and oranges). But then one national race had only 2 people. I still respect them. It isn't their fault. I kept telling Zwift they are not promoting their events enough. I wouldn't have won the World time trial if the heavy hitters had thought enough to show up. That's partly the reason I didn't feature the event in Zwift Insider. Selfish I know. So, my two 'biggest' wins don't make me feel special or give me bragging rights.
Here's the Vox results:
M Wilkinson 43:08
C Behring 45:14
E Buchholz 45:58
Z Kryder 46:10
C Hansen 46:16
L Houbak 46:33
L Dalley 49:01
Keep in mind these were different event times and that with double draft, race times are thrown off by the size of the field. If you are in a pack of ten, your speed will be much faster than a group of 2 or 3.
I've avoided over training by cutting way back on races, doing shorter events, and adding an extra rest day after super hard efforts. I burnt out before the end of the Academy again and I was exhausted after the world championships. (But not as bad as 2017 Academy and last February when I raced every Kiss Crit and CVR race series for 8 or 10 weeks in a row.) I came this close to the semi's in 17. But had I made it, it would have been a sad outcome. I only recently did those workouts. I just was completely exhausted. So much so I went to the doctor. It was awful. It took a long time to recover.
For me, races have always been about fun, and well that extra surge it gives you and your training. I love sprint finishes and feel blah about finishing 30 seconds behind and 30 seconds ahead, whether it is for 17th place or 109th doesn't really matter. I have a good 30 to 60 second effort. I'm not a true 10 second sprinter (those 15-17 w/kg gals). I can't do the same effort at the end of a long race like I can on a solo workout effort for max. level. I did snag the best one minute effort of the ZWA. I was just told that I have a 789 best effort (not a race finish but a group workout max effort) compared to a 724 from someone selected for the all star team, Brit.I think I just barely out sprinted her a year ago or so. But she has 11.8 w/kg and Cassie has 12 w/kg to my 11.6, so that's why 'big' numbers don't tell the whole story.
I'm looking forward to the big races. Cassie vs. Rachael. And the US event. Maybe K Tracy will enter or Katie V for that matter. I just don't want to see an easy walk away. Was there any doubt that Whitelaw would take off the front and stay away the entire race? Pro level racers are certainly welcome. But they do make it impossible for the rest of us. Well, we can always dream. But, the old days of Zwift are gone like those blue ghosts.
What's next? The Dropz store (finally my disc wheel), a watopia expansion, and eventually a shadow rider of your personal best, which may (may) only be available for tt efforts. The next update is scheduled for March 4th I think, give or take a few days. I would love to see different races, like the jungle circuit starting at the line instead of the pier and over the steep hill. Epic or Tower finishes. And why do we call it the 'extra climb' instead of the radio tower now??? dumb idea. I thought the New York course was ok. But the high course was designed for richmond and then scrapped. The courses are confusing and my favorite LaGuardia must be done with manual turns?? Please, spend the money on our experience, not simply spending it on advertising. (a million ads on YouTube??)
How about better avatars. We all look so similar. Custom license plates? Helmet stickers? Choose your own body width? Lol. rant over. Have fun y'all.
