Practice with some hiccups! While Gavin and Brody work toward training for the world championship races, race training is crucial! One of those crucial pieces is transition practice. Executing a seamless transition while adrenaline is pumping contributes to desired race results. We committed to this race five months prior. Unfortunately, we learned two days before the race that the bike course was reduced to 1.8 miles due to road construction. Hotels had been reserved; tickets for a hockey game had been purchased. Although we were disappointed, we knew the primary benefit of this race was kit comfort and race-day transition.
The clock read midnight over 30 minutes prior by the time we arrived at our hotel. The 9 hour drive ended with our disembarkment from the car. Bleary-eyed, we hoped for a few hours of sleep. Bikes were unracked; bags were unloaded. The bikes provided the familiar tick, tick, tick with each turn of the wheel. Once the elevator door opened to our floor, bikes were carried to cease the ticking. We whispered, “Good night,” fell into bed, and waited for our bodies to settle down for sleep. Alarms sounded, and we quietly began the race day prep. The cold air swept across our tired bodies and lingered throughout the morning. Marvelously, the boys faced all this with ease. It is the life of a multi-sport athlete! When the race is over, the sense of accomplishment erases any discomfort that we experienced.
Ensuring they have a good fit, Brody and Gavin raced in their Zoot Team USA kits….. and Yes! The kits were amazing!
Every second counts! This applies not only to running and cycling but also to transition. Gavin and Brody needed this transition practice for the fast approaching world championship race.
Gavin dominated the bike course as the only racer averaging over 21mph! He was 40 seconds shy of second place overall! Had the full bike course been accessible, perhaps the end results would be different. Brody continues to reflect power coupled with steady pacing. As Chase grows, his running form and ability emerge stronger at each race. Out of 57 racers, Gavin finished 4th; Brody finished 21st; and Chase finished 20th!
We filled the remainder of the weekend with family adventures, but headed home knowing our goals were achieved with recognition of training focus for the next two weeks.
Next stop– Ibiza, Spain for the world championship races!
Team AFR 