Chico Stage Race

The women's team throws down

DBC RT LogoCHICO STAGE RACE- WOMEN 3/4

Paskenta Hills Road Race

The first 10-15 miles of the Paskenta Road Race are completely flat and exposed to the wind. Rolling hills follow the flat section, along with rough pavement, and to top it off, 5 miles of a hilly gravel road. The gravel section begins 7-8 miles before the finish, the field usually shatters and the winning break is often established here. 

The DBC women stayed protected in the first 10-15 miles, owing to cross winds and planned to attack in the hills and gravel. During the hilly section, there were several attacks by DBC, Metromint, and Velo Sports group. Twice Sara and I managed to break away with a few other riders, but none of the breaks "stuck" until the gravel. DBC worked well together, we communicated well, alternated who attacked and bridged, and everyone was well positioned for the gravel. As expected, the field blew apart. I found myself off the front with Cara Fitchett half way through the gravel section, and with 2 miles left Sara bridged up, at the perfect time too, because Cara had lost energy and fell off our pace. Sara and I finished the gravel with a good gap on the field, and continued to push the pace to the finish where we came in 1st and 2nd. Sarabeth finished in the chase group with a 6th place and Abbey rounded off the top 15.

Steve Harrison Memorial Criterium

The criterium is a 6 corner, short, but fast course. The Women's category 3/4 race was 30 minutes of action packed racing. The pace was fast and there was hardly a moment when someone was not attacking. Being 1st overall in general classification (GC = overall for the stage race), the team worked hard to cover attacks and protect me. They raced with a great deal of confidence on the technical course. Before the final corner, I was about to make a move to set up for the sprint, but in the process, the woman next to me crashed causing me to come off my line and lose momentum. I was able to reposition myself and place 3rd, with Sara 4th, Sarabeth 9th, and Abbey 14th.

River Road Time Trial

The time trial is a 10 mile, U shaped, flat course and usually windy. We went into the TT with me still 1st in GC and Sara 2nd, 8 seconds behind. The TT displayed the strength of the DBC ladies with 3 of us placing in the top 10. Sara was 6th, Sarabeth was 9th, I was 10th, and Abbey was 21st

The stage race ended with Sara in 3rd place overall, I was 5th, Sarabeth 9th and Abbey 16th. a wonderful experience for all of us. This race was a debut of the DBC women in the Northern California/Nevada Cycling Association (NCNCA) region, and we accomplished a lot as a team –- grabbing podium spots and gaining knowledge for the future. We all worked very hard, and it was rewarding to share our success and happiness together. Thank you to Robin Farina for her support and wise words throughout the weekend, her involvement helped us with our success in the Chico Stage Race, as it will in more races to come.

 

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