NICA Race #2 - Stokesville

In the weeks leading up to race #2, I made sure to go to each and every CRC team practice with many rides mixed almost everyday in the rest of the week. This race I knew where I was fitness wise compared to the rest of the field, and I could make sure that I didn't get too tired too soon. The very fast freshman racer went up two categories, so I was pretty sure that I could get 6th place. The course was very hilly with over 1,500 feet of climbing in total. I started the race pretty well and actually took the first position for a section of the first lap. I was then passed by one rider and was not able to catch him. I stayed in second position for a while longer but then got passed by another guy which put me in third. I stayed in third for the rest of the race and got my first ever podium and medal in bike racing.