Prepairing for Ostend

In preparation for the rest of the season and to gain more racing experience, I recently competed in the Redlands Cycling Classic, one of the most competitive races I’ve participated in to date. This five-day event was an incredible opportunity to challenge myself, learn, and enjoy the thrill of racing.

The race kicked off with the Tequncla Time Trial, which reminded me of the Loma Linda University TT. It was a fun yet demanding stage, with temperatures soaring under the California sun. Although I didn’t hit the power numbers I had hoped for, I was thrilled to secure the U23 leader’s jersey and finish 7th overall on the stage. Adjusting to the heat was a challenge, as this was my first truly hot race of the year, but it was a valuable experience that will serve me well in future competitions. While the results were what I was hoping for, I am so happy that I got the chance to compete in Redlands and am even more excited for the rest of the year. 

Looking ahead, I’ll be tackling the Levi’s Gran Fondo this Saturday—a 140-mile race with nearly 14,000 feet of climbing. It promises to be a tough yet exhilarating day, and the forecasted weather looks ideal. Following that, I’ll head to Silver City, New Mexico, for the Tour of the Gila, one of America’s premier stage races. Afterward, I’ll be traveling to Europe to compete in the first world cup in Ostend, Belgium. I feel that my fitness should be in a really good place heading into Ostend after a good winter of training and a high-intensity race block.