Megan Murray
Jan makes an excellent suggestion. Specifically, a race format that
combines the best parts of the 1st and 2nd race formats.
"let the senior women start, cross the start/finish line and climb to the
top of the course before starting the cat 4 race, then repeat that process
with the master women. That may serve to meet the everyone on the same lap
requirement and separate the fields."
That seems like a great idea. It retains the distinction between the 3
separate categories. When all of the women are in one, big group (which is
certainly exciting and an excellent opportunity to hone your skills), the
dynamics of the race are dramatically effected. If you have no idea who you
are *really* racing against, the point of having separate categories seems
to be lost.
Regardless of the format, I've had a great time racing!
Megan
2008/6/12 Jan Moss :
>
> Regarding the quesiton: How did the new format go?
>
> I enjoyed last night's race. I think it is fantastic when we get to race in
> large numbers! As a veteran of many races where we begged women to just
> start the race so we could get a minimum of 5 to the line, I'm certainly not
> going to complain about numbers. Besides, riding in a large group improves
> your focus, and your bike handling. Isn't that why we race anyway? If you
> want to ride fast by yourself, there are triathalons for that.
>
> That being said, I think the new format eliminated the "racing against your
> peers" strategy. What it seemed to do was cull the stronger riders out of
> each field and put them in the lead pack. Something for the officials to
> consider....let the senior women start, cross the start/finish line and
> climb to the top of the course before starting the cat 4 race, then repeat
> that process with the master women. That may serve to meet the everyone on
> the same lap requirement and separate the fields.
>
> However, if it continues like it was last night, I'll still race. I
> encourage all the women (and wasnt it fantastic to see so many women) to
> keep attending. Yes, it may not be the perfect race environment for your
> particular needs, but it offers a great venue to get a workout, and riding
> with others will improve your riding. And if you really don't like riding
> with so many...... just attack off the front and go it alone :)
>
>
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